Playing Win-Win in Kuala Lumpur

The Mid-Valley Toastmasters Club recently conducted a Youth Leadership Program for Rumah Hope.  20 residents of Rumah Hope, with ages ranging from 12 to 18, were selected for the program.  The Gardens Hotel participated in the program by hosting it in one of their function rooms.

I was invited to be one of the judges for the speech contest that is usually held at the end of the program as part of the graduation ceremony.

In these times, when competition is the order of the day, this was truly a win-win situation for all participants.  

 

 

 

Participants eagerly waiting for the session to begin.

The President starting the session.

 

 

Participants drawing lots for their speaking positions.

 

The last session being conducted before the speech contest begins.

 

 Presenting a token of appreciation to the speaker.

 

Taking a break during the speech contest.  Sorry there are no photos of the speeches, as the contest protocol only allows the official photographer to take any.

 

 

 

Presentation of Certificates to all participants.

 

The second runner-up.

 

The runner-up.

 

The contest champion - it turned out to be an all girl affair.

 

 

One of the participants sharing her learnings and acknowledging one of the facilitators.

 

The contest champion sharing her views.

 

Representative from Rumah Hope sharing his thoughts.

 

 

 

Presentation of Certificates to facilitators and other role-players.

Group photo of all participants.

 

The participants with the facilitators.

The Youth Leadership Program is a Toastmasters International program.  Below is from the official web-site www.toastmasters.org.  

Youth Leadership

Think of the successful leaders you know.

They probably have one trait in common – the ability to communicate effectively.

Kids need the Youth Leadership program so they can grow to meet the challenges of adulthood and leadership successfully. Sponsored and conducted by Toastmasters International and its local clubs, Youth Leadership helps young people build their communication and leadership skills so they may become tomorrow's leaders in business, industry and the community.

Purpose of the Program
Every young person has the potential to become a good communicator and leader, but this potential needs to be developed. The program's unique eight-session, workshop-style design enables participants to develop this potential through practical experience.

The program is not in competition with school programs or courses, or other established youth projects. Instead, it's a supplement to these programs, providing emphasis on specialized speaking and leadership skills, and individual needs. Participants learn to:

• Overcome nervousness when speaking before an audience.
• Organize and present ideas logically and convincingly.
• Listen carefully to others' ideas.
• Offer advice to help others improve their speaking and leadership skills.
• Participate in - and even lead - group discussion or meetings.

Participants increase their self-confidence as they learn. They also make new friends and have fun. Toastmasters is an enjoyable learning experience!