Rotary holds contest to hone leadership skills Aimed to empower students with constructive engagements, the club organised a talk competition for local schools which gave an opportunity for the youth to groom their skills.
The Rotary Club of Chatsworth (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, D 9370) hosted a successful preliminary team talk competition at Meadowlands Secondary School in Montford recently.
The semi-finals were held at various parts of KZN, which culminated with the finals at the Howard College Theatre.
The two teams that advanced to the semi-finals were Arena Park Secondary and Crossmoor Secondary.
The youngsters set a high standard with their well-researched and dynamic presentations.
PRO of the club and former president, Dr Ansuyah Moodley said, “We are ecstatic to announce that a school from our community of Chatsworth, Crossmoor Secondary, was placed third in the finals.”
“The team has most certainly done us proud. This initiative started with six schools in Chatsworth and it is hoped that more schools will participate in the future.”
Deputy director of vocational services, PP Bala Moodley emphasised that Rotary sees this initiative as a positive youth development opportunity with intentional efforts for the youth and schools to provide opportunities to enhance their interests, skills and abilities.
Moodley said that it encourages research, constructive engagement, and collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders in the community and hence, optimises developmental progress.
“Furthermore, the confidence gained by our youth through these processes and the skills and knowledge gained becomes an enabling opportunity to lead civic engagement, education reform and community organising activities, therefore adding greater value to our communities,” he added.
Countless programmes around the world seek to teach young people special skills associated with leadership, particularly those programmes associated with youth voice or youth empowerment. Team talk has become one such strategic programme.
President of the club, Eugene Moodley said, “The standard of the competition was really high. The project is good for our community because it highlights the plight of our schools and allows our pupils to create suitable sustainable solutions.”
The club also thanks Navi Paramaul, Sada Moodley and Pree Paramaul for assisting as adjudicators in the preliminary rounds and gratitude goes to principals, teachers and parents who have so graciously taken much time and effort.
Source: Chatsworth Rising Sun
