“Our children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.” The famous words from a Whitney Houston song resonates with every generation. The Sunshine Coast Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is giving our youth the skills to confidently build their leadership and communication skills so they can lead our future.
More than 500 Youth Leadership Program certificates have been presented to students on the Sunshine Coast over the past 10 years. The program first started at Chatelech Secondary School when a member of the Sechelt Toastmasters Club offered to provide the program for their school’s Leadership Class. Twenty-five students participated in an eight-lesson program that got them up and speaking.
The second year, students shared how they had done well in interviews for summer jobs. Elphinstone Secondary School (Gibsons) asked the Gibson’s Toastmasters Club, Morningstars, if they could provide the same program to their Leadership class. The program continued at both high schools introducing 25 more students per school per year to the skills of public speaking and better communication.
Five years ago, the Girl Guide leaders requested that their senior girls, the Rangers and Pathfinders, take the program to prepare for a major trip. The Guides had another 12 girls receive their certificates in February 2022.
The Air Cadets came on board four years ago. The local squadron wanted their young people to start participating in the Air Cadets Effective Speaking Competition. In the first two years of the program one of the local cadets placed second, twice, in the Vancouver competition. This past year, 2021, he not only came first in B.C. but went on to win the national competition. He brought home the Gold Medal, the first time for B.C. in 10 years.
This year Pender Harbour Secondary school has joined the program. Their Grade 11 students will be taking the YLP starting in March.
Members of the Gibsons and Sechelt Toastmasters clubs volunteer to lead these classes at the schools and at the Cadet and Guide meetings. This school year more than 75 teens will take home a Toastmasters Certificate along with the lifetime skills of communication and leadership.
The growth of this program and the enthusiasm from the students should make us feel like we are going to be in good hands. Our youth will be prepared to take the reins and lead our communities, businesses and country.
