Thirteen youngsters graduated a personal development programme that they joined at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Academy welcomed the programme’s ninth graduating cohort during a packed ceremony on Thursday.

Each graduate shared their appreciation for the staff’s support during some of their hardest moments.

One student said: “Youth Leadership Academy helped me to get out of my shell.

“When I first started the programme, I was going through some struggles. I feel as if I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for YLA.

“So, thank you to everyone in YLA for helping me to stand where I stand today.”

The Youth Leadership Academy starts at Dellwood Middle School in M3 and continues throughout the high school years.

Teachers recommend children based on observed leadership potential and challenges in their lives.

Deneca Zuill, the lead co-ordinator of the academy, said: “Through exposure to opportunities, young people learn that leadership is not just a position — it is about taking action.

“They learn the importance of their voices, are exposed to opportunities and are mentored and supported by Family Centre community support workers to achieve their short and long-term goals.”

During the graduation ceremony at the Sunshine League House, attendees were shown a slide show presentation that underscored the pandemic-era conditions the children endured.

The group experienced the Youth Leadership Academy through masks, virtual sessions and in limited groups.

Ms Zuill said: “Each graduate encountered significant obstacles throughout their high school years that could have easily derailed their progress.

“Yet, with determination and the unwavering support of their communities, they confronted those challenges head-on and defied the odds.”

A Family Centre spokeswoman said that the graduates “embodied YLA’s definition of leadership” by stepping out of their comfort zones and helping others.

She added: “Whether navigating academic and personal obstacles, taking initiative, engaging in service projects, exploring career pathways or consistently showing up for mentorship sessions, they demonstrated resilience and growth throughout their journeys.”

YLA mentors commended the graduates for the hard work they showed over the years.

Leila Wadson, Family Centre’s director of community services, said: “They showed up, stayed present and engaged wholeheartedly, reinvigorating our team as much as we hoped to inspire them.”

She told attendees that supporting young people was a collective effort and thanked caregivers for “allowing us to be part of your team”.

Ms Wadson added: “YLA would not be what it is without our community partners.

“Thank you for linking arms with us to help young people experience the power and importance of community.”