Students embark on leadership programme
140 students in Bray schools North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School and Woodbrook College are set to begin developing their leadership skills this term through an innovative leadership learning programme.
The programme is run by LIFT Ireland (Leading Ireland’s Future Together), a not-for-profit organisation that works to build positive leadership skills in communities and settings across Ireland.
The programme is delivered through a series of round-table sessions, led by a volunteer facilitator. The programme runs over eight weeks, and focuses on eight key leadership values, such as listening, empathy, innovation and resilience. Participants in the programme are introduced to one value per week over the eight-week duration
Students taking part in the LIFT programme improve their listening skills, experience increased confidence and become more empathetic, understanding and positive, according to LIFT.
The roll-out of its programme in secondary schools across the country was announced last week.
64 schools have signed up to participate in the leadership development process with the aim of developing core leadership skills for young participants. More than 3,500 transition year students from those 64 schools will train as LIFT facilitators and, in turn, roll out the programme with other students in their schools, multiplying the reach across secondary school students in Ireland.
‘2020 has been a year like no other,’ said Joanne Hession, founder and CEO of LIFT Ireland. ‘Our young people in Wicklow and across Ireland are returning to school in the face of uncertainty in almost every aspect of their lives. But, throughout the Covid-19 crisis, we have seen great leadership demonstrated by young people in so many ways,’ she said.
‘ To deal effectively and inclusively with the ongoing pandemic and ensure a positive future for our country more generally, we need the voices, perspectives and contributions of our young people. The LIFT Leadership programme supports all participants, be they students or corporate CEOs, to become better leaders in their homes, social groups, communities, school or work environments.’
The process helps participants to develop the skills, resilience, empathy and understanding to cope with such challenges, to successfully overcome challenging situations.