Confidence Building Program Pumps-Up Kids during Launch Event at the Canadian Tamil Congress
Fifteen-year-old Nilan Ratnam always wanted to be a successful businessman when he grew up. While he has good ideas, plans and a firm understanding of the challenges involved in becoming a solid businessman, Nilan says he lacked the confidence to express his ideas in front of people. He claimed that school systems usually focused on academia and as such, did not provide youth with high ambitions and adequate opportunities to learn work-life skills.
Last Saturday, Nilan got his first opportunity to overcome his fear of speaking in front of a large crowd. He opened up with a gentle stroke of his spiky hair and delivered an impromptu speech in front of an auditorium filled to capacity by people who gathered to launch the Youth Leadership Program organized by the Centre for Leadership and Innovation, a recent initiative of the Canadian Tamil Congress.
The program, conducted in partnership with Ottawa based U-Learn-to-Talk-Club, is aimed at youth within the age group of 10 – 15. The program aims at building and improving public speaking, team building and volunteering skills.
An energetic crowd of kids, parents, politicians and well wishers cheered and encouraged twenty new members of this pilot program who all took their first step towards improving work-life skills, an essential aspect of becoming future leaders.
Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Hon. Brad Duguid, Member of Parliament for Scarborough - Rouge River Rathika Sitsabaieasan and Toronto Board of Education Trustee Shaun Chen honoured the event as special guests.
Hon. Minister Duguid interacted with participating kids and queried about their future plans and ambitions. He emphasized the need to not only pursue professional careers but also to become entrepreneurs and create jobs so that the province and the country can benefit as a whole.
Member of Parliament Rathika Sitsabaiesan pumped up the children through an electrifying speech and pronounced them “today’s leaders working towards a better tomorrow”.
“People with leadership skills are always the greatest strength to a community and they play a critical role in its vibrant growth”, said David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress. “It is in that spirit that the Canadian Tamil Congress wholeheartedly welcomes this initiative and thanks the Centre for Leadership and Innovation and ULTC team members for making this a successful launch”, concluded Poopalapillai.
For Nilan, the event was a foundational launch to his career in business. “I feel more encouraged by a supporting group who understand my needs and provide right values and opportunities”, said a smiley Nilan while leaving the session and eagerly waiting for his next speaking engagement with the Youth Leadership Program.
- For More Pictures from the event:
- Imaginedigitally
- Ninaivukal
Published on: 05/01/12 13:54
