Four to represent Federation at Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Rotary Clubs of St. Kitts and Nevis are sponsoring four young persons to represent the Federation at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) that will be held in Trinidad later this week.

RYLA is Rotary International’s leadership training programme for young persons and is aimed at encouraging leadership of youth by youth.

Rolhensha Henry, Liska Hutchinson, Akeem Bacchus and Burnell Nisbett will be representing the Federation and will be joining other young people from all parts of the region to discuss a comprehensive range of social issues, which impact on the development of the youth in the Caribbean society.

Among the topics scheduled for discussion are: Youth as Agents of Change; the Breakdown of Family Life and its effects on youth; Education - Preparing for Life; Volunteerism – the Involvment of Youth in Social Organisations; and Building Better Communities.

The conference commences on Wednesday, October 8 and will conclude on Saturday, October 11 at the Central Bank Auditorium, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.   ~~Adz:Right~~

According to Blondell Franks, a Rotary Liamuiga member, the sponsorship decision was a no-brainer. “We recognise that our leaders of tomorrow are the youth of today and that it is our responsibility to equip them with the necessary tools to perform that leadership role effectively. The challenges that they are facing are a direct consequence of the mistakes made by adults, so it is necessary for us to act responsibly to guide and encourage them in their pursuit to make their community/country a better place.”

SKNVibes spoke to Liska Hutchinson, one of the representatives, who expressed enthusiasm and delight at the impending trip.

“The conference is a  great way to develop leadership shills, gain exposure to a variety of issues, cultures and experiences, increase self confidence and make new friends.”

After the conference the representatives will share their newly-acquired knowledge with the Rotary Clubs, their peers and other youth organisations in the Federation.