A new youth wing of Rotary International was formally launched on Friday at a special meeting.

Syed Alirahi, the district governor for the Rotary Clubs of Bermuda among others, said it was a pleasure to formally welcome the Bermuda Longtail Rotaract Club and its first 11 members into the fold.

“There are three steps in the rotary family,” Mr Alirahi explained. “First is Interact, which goes from 12 years old to 18. This is the way we start and this island has been recognised for the number of Interact Clubs.

“The second step is the Rotaract. Rotaract is defined as Rotary in Action. They come in two forms — one is college or university-based and the other is community-based.

“In the majority of them, the young men and women are trying to build their career, they are trying to learn something, and Rotary is the best way to do that.”

Mr Alirahi announced Zayne Sinclair as the first president of the newly minted Bermuda Longtail Rotaract Club, presenting certificates to him and the other members.

“I saw him a few years back and the work he has done for seniors is amazing,” Mr Alirahi added.

Mr Sinclair told attendees that he wanted to support youth activism and giving back to the community as president, expressing hope that the club would serve as a “band-aid” to help address socioeconomic challenges facing the island.

He told The Royal Gazette that he was introduced to the work of Rotary International when he met a group of Rotarians who visited the island from the East Coast on a cruise to assist with a project.

“Cathy Bassett [the president of the Hamilton Rotary Club] was serving fish chowder and we got to talking,” Mr Sinclair recalled.

“They told me about a gardening project they wanted to do for seniors.”

He said after working with Rotarians on the project, he was invited to take part in a Rotarian meeting and quickly became more involved.

“I always wanted to give back to the community,” he added. “It was an interesting experience and I have since been able to have opportunities to travel and meet Rotarians around the world.”

Mr Sinclair said that being involved with Rotary International had not only allowed him to help his community but also develop skills and build connections.

“It’s an amazing way to gain personal and professional development,” he said.

“The global nature of the organisation allows you to meet people across different sectors. There’s always a mentor and always people willing to partner and assist.”