Gazette

Youngsters lead

24th June 2009 02:00:09 AM

Year 7 and 8 home group leaders at Emerald Secondary College have been honing their leadership skills.

THE leadership skills of young Emerald Secondary College students are sharp following a six-week program focusing on teamwork, communication and confidence.

Year 7 and 8 home group leaders at the school recently completed the Cardinia Shire Council’s leadership program, and were presented with certificates at a formal celebration of their achievements on Monday 15 June.

Council’s Youth Participation and Access Officer Linda Randall said the program, which ran from late April to June, aimed to develop leadership qualities in the participants.

“The program was designed to provide participants with an introduction to leadership in a fun and engaging environment,” she said.

Some of the topics covered included the types of leadership styles, teamwork, communication, confidence, values and public speaking.

“The public speaking part of the program sparked some passionate class debates on topics such as whether school uniforms should be compulsory and whether parents should be made accountable for their children’s behaviour,” Ms Randall said.

Ms Randall said all 23 students who participated had demonstrated an increased understanding of leadership and how those skills could be transferred into their everyday lives.

The program is part of the Youth Participation and Access Program, which is funded jointly by the Department of Planning and Community Development and Cardinia Shire Council.