Young people sought for fully funded leadership programme

TEENAGERS from across Scotland are being sought to take part in a fully funded week-long leadership course next summer.

Sixteen and 17-year-olds can be nominated to gain a place on the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, an initiative which supports them to develop their leadership, team building and problem-solving skills through a programme of outdoor activities, challenges and adventure.

Over 90 young people attended the residential trip this year and it is hoped that even more people will be able to take up the opportunity in 2025.

Lewis MacKenzie from Forres attended the trip this year and said: “If you are thinking about going on the RYLA experience or have been nominated to go by someone in your school, rotary club or community, I would recommend you take it.

“RYLA is a wonderful opportunity to extend your skill set and gain valuable experience which will separate you from the rest when applying for jobs or further education.”

Lewis added: “There was a wide range of strengths and weaknesses shown by everyone across the camp but discovering them and working on them both personally and in a team is part of all the fun. The activities and physical experiences you will get out of going are amazing.”

The residential trip which takes place at Abernethy Outdoor Centre in the Cairngorms includes activities such as hiking and bike riding, rock climbing and gorge walking.

Ros Riungu, (CORRECT) who co-ordinates the RYLA programme said that she hopes that the Rotary Clubs will be able to fund even more places for 2025.

Ros said: “These placements are funded by the different rotary clubs across our vast district which stretches from Shetland, down through the Highlands and north-east to as far south as Fife. We were delighted to be able to fund 90 young people this year and we hope that we can extend this to 100 next year.”

The RYLA programme has been running for over 40 years and as Ros explained it is still as popular as ever: “The feedback we got this year was extremely positive and the course continues to evolve year on year to make sure we best meet the needs of the young people taking part. The plans for 2025 are well underway, and what we need now are eager young people to take up this opportunity. Taking part in RYLA is a unique self-development experience where young people can discover their individual potential, learn from others in a variety of situations, meet like and not so like-minded people, stretch their boundaries, test their skills, challenge their thinking, create change, learn to communicate with confidence and grow as a leader. During the week, the young people are put into groups of about eight and are given a mentor to support them.”

One such person is Ellen Barclay who attended RYLA in 2018 and returned this year as a mentor.

She said: “I was 17 when I went to Abernethy. It was advertised through school and I just remember thinking it would be something a bit different. It was just great fun. It was challenging and it’s not designed to be easy, but you meet great people and there is a great support.

“One of my highlights was the day that I had to lead the group. It was great getting the feedback and seeing how the skills I learnt could be transferred to my daily life. It really felt like a great achievement.”

Talking about returning as a mentor, Ellen who is now a junior doctor in Edinburgh added: “It was brilliant to go back and see the impact that the experience has and know that RYLA is still having a positive impact. I really enjoyed it.”

For more information and to apply, please visit: ryla1010.com