Strengthening youth capacity and molding future leaders

23/11/2015 – Rathnapura, Sri Lanka: A national youth camp aimed at molding young minds to be future leaders of the country was held in Nivithigala, Rathnapura recently with the participation of youth from all branches of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS). The event was organized by the Youth Unit of the Organizational Department of SLRCS.

The main objective of this camp was to provide a platform to youth who are closely working with the Red Cross on the ground level, to understand the importance of their contribution to society and the difference they can make on a grass root level. As of now most of these youths are working as volunteers in their communities.

Throughout the program the youths were exposed to numerous activities which aimed at enhancing their leadership and inter personal skills simultaneously emphasizing the vital role they play in social mobilization.

A detailed introduction about the SLRCS youth law, role of the youths and how youths could be mobilized in Red Cross humanitarian activities, how youth can plan community services at local level and what measures could be taken in  fund raising for youth activities were some of the topics discussed at this three day event.

They were granted with the opportunity to engage actively in open discussions and share their creative & innovative ideas with others and build capacities. Meanwhile team building activities were also held during the course of the camp.

This was also a good opportunity for the youth from northern Sri Lanka, who was mainly cut off from the rest of the country due to the conflict, to engage with their brothers and sisters from the south and to share ideas and to understand better.

The camp was facilitated by Mr. Premalal Ranasinghe – Prog. Manager Youth & Volunteering, Mr. Sujith Shiroman – OD Focal Point, Ms. Radha Pathmanathan – Asst. Manager PMER & IGP, and Mr. Vajira Mahesh – Branch Executive Officer of SLRCS Ratnapura Branch.

Police Officer Colvin Ariyaratne from the Rathnapura Police also took part as an external facilitator to discuss about child protection and the role of youth in communities.

This youth camp was organized with full support from SLRCS Rathnapura Branch.