17
Soroptimists from 9 countries in the SI South West Pacific Federation will be arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this
week at the beginning of an
exchange programme that aims to promote international friendship and understanding,
as well as greater participation by younger women in the Soroptimist movement.

“The young ambassadors will learn, share and appreciate the
uniqueness in diversity of the  countries
of the  federation in terms of the people, cultures and projects, to
bring our members and clubs closer”, explains SISWP President Siew Yong Gnanalingam who initiated the programme, EDUCATE,
EXCHANGE CONNECTION for Goodwill and Understanding. “Together they can inspire and encourage other younger women
to join our movement.”

The
participants, all women under the age of 45 selected by their club, region
and/or national representatives, will celebrate Soroptimist Club Friendship Day
on 3 October before taking part in three days of visits, talks and workshops in
Kuala Lumpur. The 17 Ambassadors will then travel on to another country to spend
5-7 days learning about its culture,
visiting Soroptimist projects and learning about work being done for
marginalised women and girls.

While in Kuala
Lumpur, the Ambassadors will attend a briefing by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture,
tour the Malaysian capital and planned city of Putrajaya, meet the Minister of
Women, Family and Community Development and take part in workshops on
attracting younger Soroptimist members and the relationship of SI to the United
Nations.

The participants’ flights to and from Malaysia have
been sponsored by AirAsia and AirAsia X, with the SISWP Federation meeting the
costs of airport tax and fuel charges.  The Ambassadors will be hosted in Kuala Lumpur
and in their destination countries by Soroptimist members and their families.

We will be sharing updates from the Ambassadors
during and after the programme on the SI Facebook page; you can also read more on the Educate, Exchange Connection New Zealand Ambassadors
Facebook page or visit the Soroptimist SISWP Federation website

International friendship links are a central
part of the Soroptimist ethos, with many clubs connecting across borders via Friendship
Links and exchanges.

“Open Heart – Open Door” is an exchange
programme initiated by Soroptimist International of Europe  Past President Heidrun Konrad in 1995, now run
by Dutch Soroptimist, Henny Knap-Go.  
Over 400 club members from 51 countries are registered with the scheme offering accommodation and/or local assistance to visiting
Soroptimists. There is also an active youth exchange programme for young
relatives of Soroptimists.