Students need support to attend global youth leaders meeting in U.S.

KINGSTON — Three of the country's shining young stars are preparing to represent Jamaica, this summer, at the Global Youth Leaders Conference (GYLC) in New York and Washington D.C. in the United States.

The three from St. Jago High School in St. Catherine are: head girl, Christine Broadbelt; deputy head boy, Khari Edwards; and deputy head girl, Shantel Stewart. They were selected by the school to attend the prestigious gathering of young people from across the globe,based on their leadership skills, at school and community levels.

“It was last October that we heard about it, and we are very excited,” Shantel tells JIS News.

“I have actually began to talk to other persons, from the Caribbean and other countries, about it on Facebook, (and) it’s just so exciting to finally get to meet these persons I’ve been talking to and to represent my country,” she adds.

The GYLC is a unique leadership development programme that brings together outstanding young people, to build critical leadership skills within a global context. The annual event, held since 1985, offers students an opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with some of the world's top business leaders, policy officials, lobbyists, journalists, diplomats and academics.

To date, more than 200,000 young people, 15 to 18 years old, from some 100 countries, have participated. This summer it will be held in the USA, China and venues in Europe between June 12 and August 10. The St. Jago students will participate in the U.S. leg and, as Shantel explains to JIS News, they will not be attending the same sessions.

“I’ll be attending the first 10-day session, and (Christine and Khari) will be attending a 12-day session. My session starts on July 11 and theirs on the twentieth in Washington D.C. and then we transfer to New York City,” she details.

All three students are very involved in their school, church and community. Shantel is integrally engaged in social development initiatives in her community, through the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), while Khari is a member of the Angels of Love charity, which provides support for young patients at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston.

They have received various awards for academic excellence, debating, the performing arts and for participating in clubs and community activities.

Christine, Khari and Shantel, who respectively plan to contribute to the development of the country in the fields of psychology/social worker, anaesthesiology and software engineering, are hoping that the conference will help them to enhance their leadership skills.

“I hope that the conference will help in my decision making as a leader… I’m particularly looking forward to conflict resolution,” says Christine, noting that she also has an interest in world affairs. 

But, as the enthusiastic young leaders gear up for the conference, they are appealing for financial support to help them get to the event. Each is required to pay approximately $350,000 to cover airfare, conference tuition and maintenance while overseas, for a combined total of $1.05 million.

With determination and the help of a few corporate companies and organisations, the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica, family members, and by their own initiatives, they have managed to raise $730,000 so far, but need to secure another $320,000 by May 27.

Christine lauds her principal, Mrs. Swyer-Watson, for assisting in the fundraising efforts, noting that she has been “a tower of strength for us”.

Mrs. Swyer-Watson tells JIS News that having seen the work of the students to raise the money, she was moved to assist.

“They have been very resourceful in finding so many ways of raising funds…they see how they can benefit from this international exposure and, I personally think that, they are excellent leaders and the exposure they will receive will make them so much more,” she notes.

She says that a former head girl, Dakota Marshall, who attended the conference in 2005, benefited from the experience and is determined to help. Dakota recently graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and was valedictorian for her faculty.

Twenty one-year-old UWI student, Alvin Edwards, who attended the conference in 2008 while at Campion College, says he received sponsorship for his trip by sending out a request for help over the radio, and someone called.

He tells JIS News that he values the experience. He recalls that he met leaders from all over the world, and participated in public speaking which helped to build his confidence.

“It’s a learning experience. It exposes you to other cultures and how people behave,” he adds.

Persons wishing to offer their support to these students may contact Mrs. Swyer-Watson at 984-4312 or 984-2265.

By CHRISTINE ADE-GOLD, JIS Special Projects/PR Assistant