Youth Exchange: Rotary Maracanã bids farewell to French exchange student Hortense during the District Conference in Aparecida (2025)

Aparecida, May 2025.

In an atmosphere of emotion and gratitude, the Rotary Club of Rio de Janeiro Maracanã said farewell to the French exchange student Hortense during the District Conference of Rotary District 4571, held in Aparecida, in the state of São Paulo.

Hortense participated in the Long Term Exchange program of Rotary Youth Exchange during the 2024-2025 Rotary year. She was welcomed by the Rotary family of the Maracanã club, experiencing Brazilian culture, studying in Rio de Janeiro and taking part in meetings, humanitarian projects and social actions promoted by the host club.

During the conference, the student had the opportunity to officially say goodbye to the Rotary community of District 4571, share her transformative experience in Brazil and express her gratitude to the club and the host families. The farewell ceremony was marked by words of recognition and strong demonstrations of affection from Rotarians.

The participation of exchange students in district events reinforces the role of the program as a bridge between cultures and as a tool for the development of young global leaders. Rotary Maracanã highlighted that Hortense was an ambassador of peace during her stay in the country, leaving a legacy of kindness, engagement and connection.

The district conference symbolically marked the conclusion of her journey in Brazil and the beginning of a new chapter, as she returns to France carrying the spirit of Rotary and bonds that will certainly last a lifetime.