Toastmasters empowering youth

The Sunjet Toastmasters “Youth Leadership Programme” continues to produce confident public speakers.

Forty-eight students from various secondary schools recently graduated from the eight-week programme designed to develop speaking and leadership skills through practical experience.

Participants were encouraged to be confident and speak before an audience, taught how to organise and present their ideas logically, listen carefully, evaluate constructively and to participate in group discussions and meetings.

Kamille Hope, a Coordinator of the Youth Leadership Programme, believes that these life skills will enable young people to express themselves in a coherent manner, overcome challenges, confront fears, think creatively and to be prepared – all of which will assist them in their schools and generally in life.

Addressing the graduation ceremony held at The St. Michael School under the theme “Conquered the journey: What does the future hold?” she also shared that participants were required to complete two speeches as well as participate in table topics and group discussions. Hope said that the various presentations were very commendable.

“The table topics or impromptu speeches challenged participants to think quickly and respond appropriately to any question asked. It was our goal, through these exercises to assist participants in overcoming fear of public speaking by being organised and prepared.”

Furthermore, Hope reminded the youngsters that at the heart of their success is discipline. She explained that the skills taught, and the knowledge conveyed are useless if not carefully practised.

“We implore you to grasp firmly the information provided and incorporate it in every sphere of your life as you move forward. As you do this, your future will certainly be brighter,” she expressed.

During the graduation ceremony, the participants were judged as they showcased their skills to parents and guardians.

Matthew Samuel, winner of the prepared speeches category described the Youth Leadership Programme as an atmosphere built for learning. The Christ Church Foundation School student is therefore encouraging his peers to give it a try.

“My English teacher Ms Beverley Walters encouraged me to join and I don’t regret taking up the initiative. I had a good time. I liked the atmosphere that the toastmasters club offers. Public speaking was always something I was fond of, but I needed to come out of my shell,” he told The Barbados Advocate. (TL)