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Youth Leadership Program challenged perspectivesThirty two potential leaders stepped out of their comfort zones and were challenged to experience life from a different perspective at the Gippsland Youth Leadership Program, recently held in Latrobe City. By Latrobe Shire Council - 22nd September 2004 - Back to News The participants travelled from throughout the region to interact with their peers and discuss prominent youth issues, each participating in a wide variety of activities, workshops and guest lectures.
Motivational guest speaker, Stuart Tripp, spoke to the young people about his journey through life after an almost fatal accident, and participants also worked together, debating issues such as cultural tolerance, group dynamics, community issues, decision making and facing fears.
The thirty two young leaders also visited Camp Welcola at Licola, participating in team building activities, an orienteering program and competitive group initiative activities that challenged them physically and mentally. A graduation night was held at the end of the program, during which the young people presented a group project to family, friends and community members in the audience.
Latrobe City’s Youth Development Officer, Leanne Vella, said that the program challenged all of the participants to look at how they behaved towards other young people and consider the importance of good leadership characteristics.
"The Gippsland Youth Leadership Program is a great experience for any young person to be part of, and this year we had a tough selection process, interviewing more than 60 young people interested in taking part in the program. All of the participants were surprised by how quickly they became friends and formed close bonds, and the program significantly changed all of their outlooks on life," Ms Vella said.
"Once again, I have had the privilege of seeing a group of young people embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-growth. I had the fortunate experience of getting to know these young people on a deeper level, learning what is important to them and what they strive to achieve in life. Despite all the nervous emotions at the beginning of the program, by the end of the week I saw friendships grow and heard stories shared," Ms Vella added.
Gippsland Youth Leadership Program 2004 participant, John Preston, said that the program provided a wide range of experiences in a short space of time.
"The knowledge that we gained through the motivational speakers and the activities we took part in, are something that we will have forever and something that I think we will benefit from in the years to come," John said.
"I find both leadership and teamwork two of the most important aspects of my everyday life, and to have a program devoted to learning about them is such a great opportunity for young adults to be involved in," he added.
The Gippsland Youth Leadership Program is a joint partnership between Latrobe City Council and Traralgon Secondary College, run every year over five consecutive days.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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