Michael Lee-Chin Youth Leadership Series launched

Last Thursday, the NCB Foundation launched the Michael Lee-Chin Youth Leadership Series. This was done in association with UWI (University of the West Indies) Leaders, Engaged, Activated, Dedicated, ready to Serve (UWI LEADS) at Mona.

The series is focused on engaging tertiary students with an aim to mould and create leaders in various disciplines through mentorship and dialogue, while instilling the spirit of giving back.

The Michael Lee-Chin Youth Leadership Series was inspired by Lee-Chin's love for Jamaica and his passion for youth empowerment through education. The programme, which is expected to be staged on a quarterly basis, will also give an opportunity for other local and international luminaries to share their experiences with young Jamaicans across the island.

In front of an audience of approximately 400 UWI students, Lee-Chin impressed upon them that as a leader "your behaviour today is your history tomorrow," and encouraged them to "make bold moves with calculated risks." Lee-Chin's charge to the students was to live with beliefs, purpose and a cause and reminded them that "your reputation will be your passport to success."

In Lee-Chin's address, he also provided his recipe of ingredients for a fulfilled life and characteristics of a true leader which included embracing high aspirations, an enduring value system and a commitment to high performance.

UWI LEADS targets students of UWI wishing to develop their leadership skills and abilities. Operating under the principle that leaders are made, UWI LEADS creates opportunities for these students to learn about best practices in leadership and to engage each other about their own personal leadership journeys. The students are currently engaged in programmes on leadership and social justice and a programme for the Leadership Platinum Certificate, having completed the gold and diamond certificates last year.

In the Social Justice Certificate, they are engaging issues related to literacy, youth and community development. The students are working in 10 schools and five communities.