Using speech to empower youth

 Invitees representing Toastmasters International District 82, Rotary Club of Colombo West and Rotary District 3220 at the Grand Finale of the 600 Youth Leadership Programme.  

• Spanning across Kandy, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Horana, Homagama, Galle, and Colombo, students from each school participated in a 10-week structured training programme, fostering essential leadership and communication skills
• At the school-level contests, students showcased their skills in International Speech and Impromptu Speaking. Thereafter, the top 60 winners—30 in each category advanced to the National Level Contest. The programme is not just about learning public speaking; it’s about building the confidence to express their thoughts, ideasand passions with clarity
• The Youth Leadership Programme has proven to be a powerful tool for self discovery and the organisers believe that it should be an integral part of the school curriculum, helping future leaders evolve into the individuals they are destined to become.

The 600 Youth Leadership Programme, a powerful collaboration between the Rotaract Club of Colombo West and Toastmasters International – District 82 concluded recently following its National Level Speech Contest held in Colombo. The objective of this initiative was to develop and hone leadership and communication skills of 600 young individuals from all parts of Sri Lanka.
As an idea envisioned by DTM Arunasalam Balraj one of the foremost toastmasters in the country who now serves as the President of the Rotary Club of Colombo West, this programme was undertaken by 18 Toastmasters Clubs where 600 youth leaders from 25 schools stepped out of their comfort zone to be transformed as empowered youth leaders who have discovered their true potential to communicate with confidence, lead with purpose and inspire change in their communities.
Spanning across Kandy, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Horana, Homagama, Galle, and Colombo, students from each school participated in a 10-week structured training programme, fostering essential leadership and communication skills.
At the school-level contests, students showcased their skills in International Speech and Impromptu Speaking. Thereafter, the top 60 winners—30 in each category advanced to the National Level Contest. The programme is not just about learning public speaking; it’s about building the confidence to express their thoughts, ideas and passions with clarity. 
The Youth Leadership Programme has proven to be a powerful tool for self discovery and the organisers believe that it should be an integral part of the school curriculum, helping future leaders evolve into the individuals they are destined to become.
The Rotary Club of Colombo West was commended for its generous sponsorship of 600 training manuals, milk packets and biscuits to make this Rs. 4 million project a reality.