Tyler is 15 and a young carer, he completed the Young Leaders Award with Action4Youth in 2018. He was keen to take the course to build his confidence and leadership skills, he explains; “I wanted to become a young leader and help out with the junior nights. Everyone said it was good to do, so I was interested.
I was really worried about meeting new people because I’m not really that confident, but I got there and found everyone was really friendly, I could get on with everyone and just be myself. It didn’t matter.”
The Young Leaders Award gives young people the opportunity to try new things and build teamworking skills, Tyler describes his experience; “I really enjoyed the river cross, where we had to use ropes to hold everyone and they had to cross the river. When they got to the other side we had to pull them back across. It was great trying to dunk people in the water. The best person to dunk was the leader of the course and then watch him walk back with wet feet and shorts!
“I learnt some teamwork and lots of skills that helped me work with other people. I learnt how to speak up for myself and ask other people to do things without being worried or scared about what they would think. They were fine about doing things.”
Tyler recommends the Young Leaders Award to others as it helps build confidence and is a great opportunity to meet new people; “I think it’s a really good experience and you learn lots of helpful things. Everyone was really friendly and I’ve stayed in touch with people and we’re hoping to meet up in the school holidays.
“I have lots more confidence that I thought, and I can do more than I thought before. I know I can get on with different kinds of people. I am shy but I can use that and take advantage of it. People took time to talk to me because I’m shy and they liked me for who I am.”
The Young Leaders Award offers helps equip young people who need help building their social and life-skills to discover their strengths and potential; Tyler now feels very positive about his future; “I want to go to college. I had my last exam today. I want to do something with engineering, so I do a lot of science. Young leaders helped give me confidence, gave me a boost and helped me to talk to other people. I am really looking forward to getting dressed up and getting my certificates at the Action4Youth Big Night out event.”
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