Over 100 student leaders were provided with tools to enhance their leadership skills at a Youth Empowerment Summit (Yes!) on the weekend.

The students participated in workshops designed to develop leadership skills at various levels, and to allow them to reflect on what everyday leadership is.

The head boys and girls from all primary, middle and high school in the Bermuda public school system also got the chance to interact with David Burt, the Premier, and Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education.

The event was considered a huge success by students as they expressed gratitude for the efforts of the organisers and presenters.

CedarBridge Academy head girl, Shenessa Maylor Taylor, who shared what she learnt said: “A leader should be someone who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.

“As leaders, we have to learn to communicate with each other and recognise that yes, we should take charge, but we should also take advice from other individuals as we are only human and no one is perfect”.

Mr Rabain said the Government recognised its responsibly to ensure future leaders are given the support and resources to develop their leadership skills, and that the event would be an annual one.

He added: “It is critically important for our student leaders to know that they are our future. As a result, it is necessary for us to celebrate, encourage and provide them with the resources needed to reach their potential.”

Workshop topics included Handling Conflict, Effecting Change, and Examining Leadership Qualities, and Interpersonal Communication skills.

Students had a working lunch which consisted of an inspirational video and questions about their experience at the conference. They were intentionally seated so that they were mixed in school and age group allowing them to make new friends and for younger students to see and model older students’ leadership behaviours.

At the end of lunch, students were joined by the Premier who shared his own leadership journey. This was followed by an enthusiastic question-and-answer period during which students asked questions which ranged from his favourite colour and scariest moment as a pilot to why Bermuda was on the EU Tax Avoidance list and the implications for Bermuda if Brexit goes forward.

The day ended with a reflective session where students provided feedback on the day, including things learnt in the sessions and about themselves during the process.

Workshops were delivered by leaders in the community and education, including members of the Bermuda Police Service, PCs Anton Gilbert and Valerius Jean Louis; Tina Nash and Keri Pacheco of Raleigh Bermuda;

Also attending were Patrina “Power Girl” Paynter of Big Brothers and Sisters; Nishanthi Bailey, teacher at Dellwood Middle School; Kenneth Caesar, principal of CedarBridge Academy; Chris Crumpler of Impact Mentoring; and Anthony Peets, counsellor at Prospect Primary.

Darlene Hartley of the Ministry of Education and Lee-Ann Simmons of the Department of Education were credited for the thought, care and hard work they put into organising the Youth Empowerment Summit.

Yes! was held on Friday, at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel.

These students will be recognised at an event with their parents and community members for their hard work and leadership on March 28.