Participants at the City of Casey Young Leaders Program take part in an activity.THE future of Casey’s communities is in good hands if the outcome of a recent young leaders program is anything to go by.
More than 40 young people recently completed the 2007 City of Casey Young Leaders Program and were presented with certificates of recognition by councillor Wayne Smith at two presentation evenings.
The Young Leaders Program brings together young people from the Casey community to develop leadership skills as well as introduce them to local government, its services and how young people can contribute.
Mayor Colin Butler said the program provides the platform for young people to become involved in their community.
“Not only do students gain the skills and knowledge to become successful young leaders but they form a close bond with the people they undertake the program with,” Cr Butler said.
The program, which ran for five days, contained a series of personal development workshops on topics such as public speaking, acceptance and diversity, goal setting and effective communication.
Several guest speakers, including world record holder Paralympian Tim Matthews and transplant survivor Sophie Merrell, also entertained and inspired the crowd.
Cr Smith said: “The Young Leaders Program aims to support and enlighten the young people of Casey and help them to develop the skills to fully participate in community life.
“It is very rewarding to see the young people who have finished the program gain the confidence and ability to make a difference in the Casey community.”
The two presentation evenings, attended by councillors, Casey youth services officers, school representatives and family and friends were coordinated by the young leaders and provided an opportunity to present and showcase the skills they had gained.
“The Young Leaders Program is a wonderful opportunity for young people in Casey to forge new friendships, develop life-long skills and contribute to the wellbeing of our community and it was lovely to see them present these skills at the final presentation evenings,” Cr Butler said.
