A new summer programme to empower the island’s youth to become future leaders was launched yesterday.

The three-week service learning project will see 20 students explore local topics including activism, racism, gang violence and poverty.

“In today’s world, young people often feel like it’s impossible to make a difference,” Future Leaders programme director Ryan Perinchief said.

“They are reduced to watching adults debate important issues like poverty, employment, education and the environment, which will affect them long after we are gone.

“But while many young people are referred to as future leaders, they must also be reminded that they can be leaders today.”

He added that the students “will explore some of the most important issues and social challenges in Bermuda through academic study, hands-on education and meaningful service to local organisations, to develop the knowledge, experience and leadership skills they need to make a positive change in the community”.

They will focus on ”service and community building, poverty, violence and inequality, identity and privilege, leadership, social justice and social entrepreneurship, and how to become agents of change”.

“By the end of the three-week programme, students will be in a better position to identify inequality in the world and in their community, as well as emphasise and identify with the experiences of persons from various backgrounds,” he added.

Participants include students between 13 and 17 from the Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, the Bermuda Institute, Somersfield Academy, Sandys Secondary Middle School and Saltus.

CedarBridge Academy student Jibri Smith described it as a “great opportunity to become leaders of the future because we are the leaders of the future”. The 15-year-old is particularly looking forward to working in the community.

Berkeley Institute student Robert Thomas wanted his voice to be heard for the youth and to get the ideas of the youth “out there because we are very innovative”.

“Youth are often excluded and underestimated when it comes to contributing to our society,” the 15-year-old said.

“I personally feel the full effect of this because I know my generation possesses game-changing opinions and innovation which is cast aside way too much.”

Mr Perinchief set up the programme after participating in the similar Civic Leadership Institute, created by Northwestern University, through the Centre for Talented Youth.

“Once I thought about the idea I started making phone calls and looking up the curriculum and trying to get a programme together and thankfully it has worked out and the community has shown an overwhelming amount of support,” he told The Royal Gazette.

Sponsorship is being provided by the Bermuda Government, the Premier, the Progressive Labour Party, the Bermuda Industrial Union and Conyers Dill & Pearman.

Representatives were on hand to encourage and congratulate the students at the launch event in the BIU’s Dr EF Gordon Room.

“I believe this is an opportunity of a lifetime for all of you, one that serves as a stepping stone towards greater things,” Michael Dunkley told them.

But he also pointed out the responsibility that accompanies it, noting their “involvement comes at a time when we are looking for individuals to devote themselves to public service, private service, to advocate for the most vulnerable in our society, and of course, to always serve Bermuda with integrity and pride”.

Opposition leader David Burt pointed out many of the topics they will be covering will mirror those to be debated in the run-up to the July 18 election.

He urged the students to ask questions and to make sure they inform their peers “because it is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that me make better decisions for our country’s future”.

The course runs from July 3 to 21. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/FutureLeadersBDA/