Eleven young men at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys have embarked on a personal development journey, one which is expected to culminate in them becoming better communicators and leaders.
Toastmasters Club 1600, the first Bahamas branch of the world renowned public speaking organization, launched its Youth Leadership Program (YLP) at the reform school recently, with a group of youths ranging in age from 13 to 17-years-old.
"We want to continue to utilize our leadership and communication talents to share skills such as effective conflict resolution, discipline, confidence and clear expression of ideas amongst the nation's youth," said club president, Carlos Palacious.
"During this eight-week program our club members are going to push these young men, making them stretch themselves and their abilities on this journey to becoming effective communicators and successful, positive leaders."
During the first session, the club's immediate past president, Valentino Munroe; VP of Education, Chervez Brown and one of the program's facilitators, Mandela Campbell got acquainted with the group.
The trio discussed the various positions available within YLP and began to teach the men the basics of holding a Toastmaster's style meeting.
By the time it came to nominate and elect officers for the first four weeks of the program the ice had melted and the rapport between Club 1600 and the Simpson Penn residents had been established.
Heads had lifted off of tables, hands begun to pop up in the air and the once reticent group of young men was easily making eye contact with the presenters, while peppering them with questions about what was to come.
Interest in the program was evident by the hotly contested race for the four YLP executive posts of president, vice president, secretary and sergeant at arms.
The 16-year-old who handily won the presidency post with seven votes promised to "see what I can do" in reference to being the best leader for the group, while his 15-year-old vice president vowed to "try my best."
The secretary post garnered the most nominees with three names tossed into the race. The 16-year-old winner seized six votes. In his acceptance speech he was at a loss for words and simply told his friends, "thanks for voting for me." It was a line echoed by the 16-year-old who captured the sergeant at arms position.
"From our evaluation we can see that their public speaking skills may be rudimentary but their interest is unmatched. To make the program more relatable to them we are going to have to break the language down, but we can see that they are excited and interested in wanting to learn more," said VP of Education, Chervez Brown. "The more we interact with them, the more it will make sense."
The second meeting is set for Saturday, September 19, where the young men will deliver their first speech, a one to three minute address about themselves.
The Simpson Penn Centre is the fourth institution to benefit from the Youth Leadership Program hosted by Club 1600. The Ranfurly Home, the Elizabeth Estate Children's Home and the TARA Project have all benefited from the program.
This latest initiative is the second youth initiative to be hosted by Club 1600 in recent weeks.
Back-to-school
On Saturday, August 22, the club hosted its fourth annual back-to-school drive named in honor of its deceased Toastmaster, Neil Percentie.
Around 300 free Fidelity Bank back packs containing an assortment of school supplies and snacks were distributed to residents of Union Village.
President of Fidelity Toastmasters Club of Distinction, Lakira Miller, encouraged parents in the community to be active participants in their children's lives as this will greatly impact their academic success.
Haircuts, food and entertainment were also provided free of charge.
To make the event possible Club 1600 partnered with Fidelity Toastmasters of Distinction Club 3953713 and the Kiwanis Club. Event sponsors included The Island Game and 100 Jamz.
The 2015/2016 executive team of Toastmasters Club 1600. From left to right: Sargeant-at-arms Stefan Bonimy, Vice President of Public Relations Hurias Williams, Secretary Ancin Munnings, Vice President of Education Chervez Brown, Immediate Past President Valentino Munroe, President Carlos Palacious, Vice President of Membership Dion Knowles and Treasurer Osbourne Moxey.
