RYLA - A Life Changing Experience!

 
Submitted by Dana Shazana Mohammed and Nalini Jagessar
At our trip to Grenada we were introduced to life changing experiences as never before. The scenery was beyond our imagination and the accommodation was wonderful. In keeping up with the RYLA mission statement “To empower and inspire creative young minds to become ethical leaders in their communities, through self –respect and a sense of understanding and compassion for others – while being agents of change for themselves ,their peers, their environment and their future”, we attended various meetings to build our self esteem, how to resolve conflict in our community, fashion and how it plays an important role in society, leadership, sex and sexuality, environmental issues caused by man, crime and young people and  nutrition and wellness.

While we were there we had certain rules to abide by example: possession or use of drugs, alcohol beverages or other stimulants is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN at all of the Conference locations.  Besides the learning experience we were able to communicate with people from all parts of the Caribbean who attended the conference, as they were of our age bracket. We not only attended class sessions but rather had to put together a talent show of all that we have learnt which the conference heads thoroughly enjoyed.

Among us there were speakers such as: the District Governor Lara Quentrall- Thomas who demonstrated Rotary’s respect and concern for youths, The Honorable Peter David, Minister of Tourism and Culture. He went to explain how important it is to prepare young people for leadership roles today. The Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sports also added a few words on leadership roles and youth spirituality. The president- elect of Rotary Alana Wilson was a great inspiration to us all as she encouraged us on embracing humanity.

We were also given the opportunity to visit the Old Age Home where we were delighted to paint the doors and the outside of it, as this would bring joy and light to everyone in the home. It was a great opportunity for us to participate in RYLA 2012 and we were able to better our lives and identify what role we play in society. As youths we will encourage other youths who didn’t get the opportunity like us to better themselves as well as their community.