…as the Rotary Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2023 kick-starts in Accra
The District Governor of Rotary District 9102, Victor Yaw Asante, has urged the youth to stay focused, comply with guidance, and make deliberate choices toward meaningful growth.
He said it is necessary especially when the role of the youth in nation-building and development is of paramount importance to a country’s progress.
He added that given the numerous happenings and factors that could be distractive, there is the need to stay focused and build tenacity while taking advantage of new opportunities.
However, Mr. Asante, who doubles as the Managing Director of the FBNBank Ghana Limited, acknowledged that building a better future is not a walk in the park; therefore, stakeholders must also prioritise the development of young people.
He made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the Rotary Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2023 held in Accra.
“It [staying focused] is a necessary ingredient because people know what to do but they get distracted. Especially for this generation, the tools that can distract them are massive.
“We have to be deliberate about being focused and about the choices we make. So in all things, being focused is important and sometimes, it means making some sacrifices,” he told the 30 young participants who were from Ghana, Benin, Niger and Togo.
This year’s RYLA programme was designed for second-cycle school students, university students, and young adults starting their careers. The event, among other things, sought to create a platform for them to nurture their leadership ambitions, network, build communication and problem-solving skills, as well as learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors.
According to the District 9102 RYLA Chair, Leninsor Kakrabah-Quarshie, the three-day programme is expected to help the young people develop leadership skills, learn ethical practices, and empower them to make the most of their lives, especially in line with their careers.
“There are so many things happening in the world; yours is to pick the best out of it and learn, making the best out of every situation,” she advised.
For his part, the 2022/2023 RYLA District Governor-Elect, David Osei Amankwah, reiterated the need for countries to internationally build the younger generations for the future.
He also advised the participants to step out of their comfort zone, adding that without that one cannot achieve their dreams.
The young folks were further urged to ‘create a new way of thinking’ and to limit the intake of negative news and social media to prevent unrealistic comparisons that can get them anxious.
“Stay in the present to do the best you can in the present. By focusing on the here and now, we reduce the sense of powerlessness. You need to be focused and not let social media eat you up. Hopelessness can germinate if our negative thoughts only stay within the confines of our own minds; hence, talk to someone with hopeful spirits or a professional therapist. Also, be the hope you seek,” he stressed.
RYLA was created 52 years ago to carry out Rotary’s deep commitment to youth leadership development.
