Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) 23-27 January
We enjoyed presentations from three young people this week. Firstly, Clare Ennis our RYLA participant thanked Bill Day for encouraging her to apply. Clare currently works for Wellington Hospital and does a range of volunteer work including with Youthline.
Clare described her RYLA as 5 days of growth, challenges and fun, enjoying the diversity of the participants, the inspirational speakers and the individual and team activities. A special and powerful activity was writing a gratitude letter, something she hadn’t done before but will do again. And of course, there was the usual raft building at Days Bay – check. And being petrified on the high ropes course but supported through it by the Team – check.
Clare acknowledged her great team. They were both productive and communicative but time management wasn’t their forte. Keeping an eye on the time was a valuable lesson she will remember when getting involved in any future projects. Another great lesson learned was that to be a good leader you must make other people the hero - let other people shine.
Clare has used this extraordinary experience as an opportunity to reflect on her future – but also to connect with new friends for life. Another very happy RYLA alumni who will no doubt continue to make a difference.
Wellington Girl’s & Boy’s College
We then heard from two leaders from Wellington Girl’s College, Daisy Van Wel and Wellington Boy’s Hugh Morrison after they were officially welcomed as Honorary members of RCPN. As is so often the case, these young people lead ridiculously busy lives.
Daisy plays competitive tennis and directs Shakespeare – (shout out to Dawn), she has founded a drama club, directs and performs in musical productions and is building a reputation as a solo singer songwriter. A number of our members have heard her at the Saturday underground market and believe she is a talent we will see a lot more of.
At WGC she co-leads with her colleague who has complementary skills making a great team. Their goals for the year are to aim high and foster an environment of absolute inclusion and involvement in the wider community. She sees involvement in RCPN as contributing to them achieving this goal.
Hugh’s activities have a strong sports focus. He has been in the WC cricket team for 3 years and is Captain this year. He plays hockey in winter and is into snow sports and debating.
Hugh made particular mention of the Rotary Peer Support Programme. He feels his School has greatly benefitted from the Programme and he has seen how it positively impacts on the integration of new students into the school.
Both Wellington Girls and Boys share the same motto ‘receive the light and pass it on’. At last year’s prizegiving, Daisy found this symbolic passing on of a lighted candle from the outgoing to the incoming leaders a very moving and powerful experience.
Having our School Heads granted Honorary RCPN membership was an initiative Christopher Robertson started in 2008. He has been at every honorary presentation since then - a great initiative Christopher.
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