Rotary Youth Exchange Student Lieanne Bambo Shares Her Story

Members of the Rotary Club of St. Marys had an opportunity to get to know our Rotary Youth Exchange student, Lieanne Bambo of the Philippines, a little better when she shared her story with the Club at our October 5 meeting.

Lieanne, 14, is spending the 2026–27 Rotary year in Canada and is attending Grade 10 at St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in Stratford. Since arriving in August, she has already experienced plenty of Canadian life with her host families, including visits to the Stratford Festival, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the St. Marys Quarry.

During her presentation, Lieanne took members on a tour of her home country and introduced us to her family, her school and community, and some of the activities that have kept her very busy at home. An enthusiastic student and leader, she has been involved in student government, school organizations, tutoring and community activities. Her interests range from dance, piano and singing to volleyball, swimming, photography, fashion and travel.

Rotary Youth Exchange also has a special place in Lieanne’s family. Her mother was a Rotary exchange student in British Columbia in 1997–98, and the family still has her Rotary Youth Exchange blazer, identification cards and even her original airline ticket. Seeing the lasting friendships her mother made through Rotary helped inspire Lieanne to pursue an exchange of her own.

For Lieanne, the year in Canada is an opportunity to experience another culture, become more independent and adaptable, make lifelong friendships and serve as an ambassador for the Philippines.

She also has ambitious plans for the future. After returning home and completing high school, Lieanne hopes to attend the University of the Philippines, study accountancy and eventually pursue a career as a CPA lawyer.

Although she has only been in Canada for a couple of months, Lieanne has already embraced opportunities to explore her new home, meet people and become involved in school and community life.

We look forward to sharing many more experiences with Lieanne during her year in Canada — and to learning just as much from her as she learns from us.

Welcome to St. Marys, Lieanne!