PHILIPSBURG:---The mini RYLA organized this last weekend organized by Rotarian Jon Hart (Chair Person) Rotaractor Micaela Hart, Rotarian Henna Budhrani and Assistant Governor Marcellia Henry exceeded all expectations. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
The RYLA held at the University of St. Martin was attended by 43 Interactors from Anguilla, Sundial, Milton Peters College, Learning Unlimited, and St. Dominic High School. RYLA events are organized locally by Rotary clubs and districts for participants ages 14-30. Depending on community needs, RYLA may take the form of a one-day seminar, a three-day retreat, or a weeklong camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics.
A community can host a RYLA event for secondary school students to hone their leadership potential, for university students to develop creative problem-solving strategies, or for young professionals to learn ethical business practices.
The welcome remarks and introduction were given by Assistant Governor Marcellia Henry. The first session of the day focused on Rotary’s purpose and service to the community. Adante Pitter from Milton Peters College and Kyrleson Aad Klaren, from Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School in Anguilla, explained what an interact club is and how interactors contribute to the community and their schools.
The whole group and breakout sessions for the event which started at 9 am and ended at 3 pm were as follows: Fundamentals of leadership and ethics of positive leadership presented by Mrs. Julie Harpalani. The importance of communication skills in effective leadership presented by Ms. Kimberley Duzong, a second session presented by Mr. Gabriel Flanders. Building self-confidence and self-esteem presented by Ms. Paula Gordon, and Problem Solving and conflict management presented by Ms. Sanjana Manek. An award presentation for all participants was held at the ending of the day’s event.
During the closing remarks, Chairperson and Rotarian Jon Hart, thanked the sponsors for this RYLA, which were: Coffee Lounge, Shieka’s, White Swan, Lazy Lizard, Jewelry Avenue, Pavillion, Ocean, Jewelers, Infinity Jewelers, Office world, Sint Maarten, NATCOM UNESCO, University of St. Martin and the Rotary Clubs of St. Maarten and Anguilla.
It is the intention to organize another RYLA during the next Rotary year 2018-2019 to shape leadership skills in students who already possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics in their high school and community.
