Youth Leadership Program proves a big success for young leaders
Take 3 for the Sea’s Youth Leadership Program recently concluded with approximately 150 young people from a selection of schools across Australia benefitting from the SC Johnson-funded education initiative.
Designed to develop young people aged 12-16 into passionate, educated, and self-determined young leaders – who have the tools and knowledge they need to spark environmental change – the program ran across six weeks with Take 3 educator Annie Woollard joined by inspiring guest speakers for the online classes.
Exploring the concept of leadership through the lens of plastic pollution, the participants journeyed through the qualities of leadership, the causes and effects of plastic pollution before taking action by creating their own solutions to be implemented within their local communities.
Take 3’s Annie Woollard said: “Our Youth Leadership students, as our future decision makers, explored their unique character strengths and recognition that their actions today affect tomorrow.
“We look forward to watching this collective of young leaders develop as they inspire their sphere of influence to join them in their quest to end plastic pollution.
“It is all about little steps – a whole lot of small actions create big impact.”
The program was based on The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and 21st Century skills of problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, decision making and collaboration, as well as being designed to address SC Johnson’s three impact pillars; sustainability, education and social responsibility.
Among the guest speakers were Take 3 ambassador and surf ironwoman Lizzie Welborn and our CEO Sarah Beard.
Take 3 CEO Sarah Beard (top right) was one of the guest speakers during the six-week online education program
Feedback on the program has been incredibly positive with parent Bianca Sands commenting: “What a fantastic job facilitating the program and presenting a compelling case to the participants.”
Individual participant Aimee Savva said: “Thanks for such a wonderful program, I have learnt heaps and will continue many of the little things that are going to contribute to a greater world.”
Fellow student Kentridge du Preez added: “Thank you sharing all the information. I look forward to sharing ideas with my friends with world ocean day almost here.”
The Youth Leadership program will continue in Term 3, with a modified program aimed for primary school students aged 9-12 who are Ocean Warriors in the making.
The Young Leaders Program will again look at the qualities of leadership and the causes and effects of plastic pollution, but most importantly what young change makers can do to take action on this issue.
Please contact youthleadership@take3.org for more details on the program and how to take part.
