District Fifteen Career Exchange Programme

 In the late 1980’s the idea for the District Fifteen Career Exchange Programme was born.  The aim of this programme is to foster greater international understanding, broaden the personal and professional development of the candidate from any Altrusa club within a District of Altrusa International Inc. and to also provide personal contact and work observer experience within the chosen career of the successful applicant.

 The visits are for a period of not less than three weeks and no more than six weeks and the New Zealand visit is always timed to coincide with District Fifteen’s Annual Conference.

 Career Exchange 2009

Previous successful candidates:

 1990   Sally Czarnecki (District Eleven)

1991   Nancye Pitt (District Fifteen)

1992   Raye Lennie (District Thirteen)

1995   Helen Davison (District Fifteen)

1997   Betty Jean Swensen-Keepers (District Twelve)

1998   Lyn Howe (District Fifteen)

2000   Jenette Borrell (District Fifteen)

2003   Mary Check-Cason (District Three)

2004   Maria McKay (District Fifteen)

2005   Susan Swanton (District One)

2006   Christine Tuffnell (District Fifteen)

 Careers have been diverse including home health agencies, livestock farming, advertising/marketing, penal institutions, education, youth aid, policing, creative dance, boating associations and homeopathy.

   Maria Mackay from District Fifteen Oamaru club was the reciprocal applicant to District Three in 2004 and District Fifteen hosted Susan Swanton from District One in 2005. Both Altrusans cannot speak highly enough of the benefits they both received from their career exchange experiences.

 In 1992 Raye Lennie, the candidate from District Thirteen, presented a “quaich” on her career exchange visit to District Fifteen.   The “quaich” is a large silver bowl which is a traditional Scottish drinking vessel, and this has become the symbol of the Career Exchange Programme for District Fifteen.   Since 1993 the “quaich” is presented to each recipient of the career exchange although the actual vessel is kept in District Fifteen. Each candidate’s name which is engraved on the vessel symbolises the strength and togetherness of Altrusans worldwide and continues the vision that District Fifteen has for the Career Exchange Programme.