(Bentleigh, Victoria, 11th July). Forty young people ages 18 to 26 had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of leadership, effective communication skills, problem solving and conflict resolution during a one week Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), an annual global program sponsored by Rotary that educates and trains young people with outstanding community service and leadership potential.
Nick Bonett (19) of Cheltenham participated in this year’s RYLA camp on 3rd to 10th July at the YMCA Lodge at Lake Dewar, Myrniong. He is currently in his first year of an Engineering degree at Monash University.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Moorleigh Moorabbin, Nick was chosen to participate in this year’s RYLA where he learned how to speak publicly, work with a team and gain a broader awareness and exposure to a variety of global and community issues. The program also taught Nick the value based leadership, ethical behaviour and how to become a good corporate citizen.
“The program was amazing”, he said. “It has been the best week of my life and I have many new friends. RYLA strived to get me out of my comfort zone and gave me a ‘tool bag’ of skills and experience to use and reflect on what I want to do and how to achieve my life goals. It allows me to put into practice what I have learned and taught me that if you have passion, you can take it anywhere.”
But it wasn’t all work. Nick took part in fun group leadership activities such as canoeing and flying fox designed to build self confidence and esteem with other young people all of whom were sponsored by Rotary Clubs throughout the south eastern suburbs.
RYLA participants receive training from successful professionals and community leaders. Group activities are led by team leaders who are previous participants of RYLA. All RYLA participants receive special emphasis on the importance of ethics and community service and often become leaders in their schools, communities and career paths.
The Rotary Club of Moorleigh Moorabbin is part of Rotary International’s global network of more than 32 000 clubs in 166 countries. Rotary International consists of 1.2 million professionals who volunteer to improve the quality of life in their home and world communities. Through service efforts, Rotary club members help promote understanding and peace throughout the world. Rotary Clubs support programs that address today’s most critical issues, including hunger, the environment, illiteracy and youth development.
For more information on RYLA, or how to join Rotary, please see www.d9810.rotary.org or call 1300 4 ROTARY (1300 4 768 279).
RYLA History
The RYLA experience was developed in Australia. The first program was held in 1960 in Brisbane and the program flourished throughout Australia. Rotary International officially adopted the RYLA program in 1971 and each year; thousands of young people take part in the program worldwide.
RYLA aims to:
* Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth
* Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders
* Encourage leadership of youth by youth
* Recognise publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.
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