Developing Our Future Leaders

Encouraging students “to be the change they want to see in the world” has a special meaning in the Turks and Caicos. It’s about entrusting our youth with responsibility for their own well-being and training them to become productive members of their communities.

That’s the goal behind the Emerging Global Leaders Program (EGLP), a program developed by Scotiabank and York University aimed at helping accomplished Caribbean high school students develop the potential to one day effect change at home and on the global stage.

Through the two-day, six-session retreat, participants have the chance to develop leadership abilities within themselves. A wide range of experiential sessions facilitated by recognized leaders from Canada and the Caribbean introduce Grade 11 equivalent students to themes, theories and activities that explore leadership from all angles.

Held in St. Kitts, the 2007 Caribbean EGLP drew students from 10 countries including the Turks and Caicos Islands. One youth from the five high schools in TCI that participated in the program was selected to attend based on both their academic merit and their efforts to make a difference in the communities where they live.

Over the two days, students from TCI attending the program, participated in essential skill-building exercises; learned the necessary steps for setting and achieving goals; explored the breadth and diversity of leadership in a global context; and practiced the art of networking.

Over an informal luncheon debrief with the program’s Managing Director, participating students enthusiastically shared how they could use what they had learned in their everyday lives – to develop their leadership potential, communicate more clearly with others, and act as role models for resolving conflicts.

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