Govt Sponsor Future Leaders Programme

[Updated] Premier of Bermuda and Minister of Finance, David Burt presented the Future Leaders of Bermuda with $19,000 in sponsorship to help fund initiatives of the summer programme that supports young people, with participating students, led by organizer Ryan Robinson-Perinchief, attending the Cabinet Office for the presentation.

Premier Burt, Ryan Robinson-Perinchief and Future Leaders

Premier Burt said, “I’m pleased to welcome the Future Leaders Programme participants to the Cabinet Office. These young people will join the three week training programme which will examine leadership, poverty, violence, injustice, identity and privilege, social justice and they will participate in community service projects.

“Young people congratulations for taking the step, for joining the programme and exploring the world around you as you make a difference to your family, community and Bermuda. Leadership does not depend on your age, experience or knowledge. It only requires the willingness to be bold with the desire to help guide and shape others.

“What you will learn in the programme will help you immediately while laying the foundation for the future. You will meet leaders in our community who will share their journey with you. They will encourage you, they will provide support. I urge you to tap into their knowledge and wisdom. Ask questions. Test your assumptions.

“Push yourselves and each other. Explore topics and expand your thinking. This is the opportunity to grow and from your experiences you will help to shape Bermuda today and into the future.

“Leadership is also about courage. Everything you see around you was once an idea in someone’s head. That person gathered their courage, started on the journey and found people who would help them to make their dream a reality.

“Mr. Ryan Robinson Perinchief who is the force behind this programme has done an outstanding job of finding people who supported his goals and helped to bring his vision to life. Congratulations Ryan on the start of another leadership programme.

“The Government of Bermuda Cabinet Office is pleased to sponsor this important and meaningful youth initiative. I am happy to present this cheque of $19,000 to the Future Leaders Programme so any young person who wants to participate can do so without concern for the cost.

“This government believes in our young people. We encourage you. We support you. And I look forward to hearing of your future successes,” the Premier concluded.

Ryan Robinson-Perinchief said, “We are pleased today to introduce the participants of this year’s Future Leaders Programme – a community initiative and service learning project launched last year in June 2017 that aims to empower and inspire the next generation to take up leadership roles within their communities and create a positive social change.

“In today’s world, young people often feel like it’s impossible to make a difference. They are reduced to watching adults debate important issues like poverty, employment, education and the environment which will affect them long after we’re gone. But while many young people are referred to as future leaders, they must be reminded that they can also be leaders today.

“Last year, the Programme began with nearly 20 students and combined academic study, hands-on education and meaningful service to local organisations to empower young people to develop the knowledge, experience and leadership skills they need to make a positive change.

“From grasping complex subjects such as racism and wealth inequality, to discovering new models of leadership and social enterprise, through college-level study, by completion, the future leaders impressed both themselves and the community – amassing over 90 hours of co-curricular & community service hours per student.

“And although they received certificates marking the end of their three-week course, it didn’t stop there. Over the past year, many of the Future Leaders have gone on to participate in various events – including speaking engagements at various graduation ceremonies, sharing their knowledge at the BIU’s Annual Labour Day Banquet, and discussing human rights with Hilary Shelton of the N.A.A.C.P under the auspices of the U.S. Consulate Hamilton.

“We aim to build on these successes this year, as students will continue to serve the local community by partnering with grassroots organisations, meet with top government, business, and non-profit leaders, and build lasting relationships with their peers, as they examine pressing social problems and promising solutions throughout Bermuda and the world at large.

“Just as last year, students will focus on:

• 1. Service and Community Building
• 2. Poverty, Crime, and Inequality
• 3. Identity and Privilege
• 4. Leadership and Self-Determination
• 5. Social Justice, Entrepreneurship & Activism
• 6. The Power to Make a Difference and
• 7. How to Take Action

“However, this year’s curriculum has been updated to incorporate new information and research – such as the 2016 Population and Housing Census Report – as well as discussion on recent events, including the topic of Same Sex Marriage, and the UK Government’s recent unilateral decision requiring its Overseas Territories to make their company ownership registers public.

“By the end of the three-week programme, students will be in a better position to identify inequality and injustice in the world and their community, as well as em-pa-thise and identify with the experiences of persons from various backgrounds. They will apply leadership, teambuilding and analytical skills that will empower them to question their roles as citizens and leaders, and consider the power they hold – both as individuals and as a collective.

“All public and private high schools were invited to select at least one student to attend, with registration also open to the general public. Based on the responses, we take this time to applaud the commitment of the 20 students who will be participating this year, some of which are here today:

“From the Berkeley Institute, we have

• 1. Teshney York
• 2. N’Zahrie Thomas
• 3. Jaiden Furbert-Jacobs
• 4. Joshua Duncan
• 5. Raina deFontes

“From CedarBridge Academy, we have:

• 6. Dequan Trott

“Bermuda Institute is represented by:

• 7. Stefan Simons

“Somersfield

• 8. Jaden Smith

“Warwick Academy

• 9. Marley Todd
• 10. McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett
• 11. Onuri Smith
• 12. G’zai Dyer

“Mount Saint Agnes

• 13. Olivia Burgess

“Sandys Middle School

• 14. Tiye Holmes

“Clearwater Middle School:

• 15. Zen Mello

“TN Tatem

• 16. NaDae Ingham
• 17. Destiny Leshore-Robinson

“Whitney Middle:

• 18. Yari Tucker

“We also have one student from overseas and one student from home school. These are Framingham High School [Overseas]

• 19. Nazarah Bridgewater

“Home School

• 20. Lynnae Garnett

“We have every confidence that these dedicated and courageous students will go on to have a meaningful and lasting effect on their peers, and, in the spirit of the mission statement of the Berkeley Institute, [which is where the programme is being held], to lead full and purposeful lives and assume leadership roles in both the local and global communities.

“Finally, we would like to express our utmost appreciation to the various members of the community who have shown commitment to the Future Leaders Programme. Thanks to the support of the Government of Bermuda, no student has been turned away from this programme due to a lack of resources.

“We invite all members of the public to engage with them and follow their progress via social media at Futureleadersbda, or by visiting our website at futureleadersbda.com.

For more information, visit their website.

Update: Speaking at the event, McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett said, “I am 14 years old and I attend Warwick Academy, where I will be entering Year 11 in September. I am excited to have been chosen as one of this year’s Future Leaders.

“I recall seeing an advert regarding the program a few months back. I did a bit of research and found that one of the program’s missions is to provide a platform whereby Bermuda’s youth can voice their opinions on matters that we as a country face, as well as listen and understand the opinions of others. We are given the opportunity to have out of classroom learning experiences, speaking to citizens about various topics, and engage in round table discussions. It was clear to me that the learning experience would be invaluable.

“I believe that the opportunities to meet with politicians, as well as the other field experiences will be my favorite parts of the program. As future leaders, unless we are educated, and well versed on the issues facing our country we will never come close to fixing anything. Mr. Premier, one day, I hope to be in your position. I care about my Bermuda. All of us future leaders care about our Bermuda and want to make a difference.

“I speak on behalf of myself, as well as the other students in the Future Leaders Program. We are extremely grateful to the Government for their sponsorship. Thank you for investing in us. We appreciate your support and thank you in advance for letting our voices be heard. We will make you proud.

“I would also like to thank Mr. Robinson Perinchief for being so passionate about the program. Mr. Robinson Perinchief, be assured that we will make you proud as well.

“In closing, I would like to thank everyone for coming. We appreciate the community support. We appreciate those who have come to provide encouragement to this generation as we embark on this challenging but rewarding endeavor. We look forward to sharing our progress with you throughout July.

“To keep up with the Future Leaders, follow us on facebook or visit our website at www.FutureleadersBDA.com”

#BermudaPolitics #Futureleadersbda

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