Youth Leadership Programme Outline
The Youth Leadership Programme has been adapted from the John W. Gardener programme. The programme was develop to support young people to become responsible young leaders. Being a responsible requires skills, knowledge, and a deepened understanding of oneself and the contexts in which one lives and grows. The activities in this programme encourage skill and knowledge building around three areas, all common to diverse styles
of leadership:
of leadership:
UNIT 1: COMMUNICATION
In the Communication unit, youth develop interpersonal skills and use of effective group processes. Key skills include active listening, debate and compromise, decision making, and facilitation. The skills, knowledge, and attitudes developed in this section help youth employ effective practices of leadership.
WHAT YOUTH WILL DO AND LEARN
• Knowledge of effective communication techniques and strategies
• Why effective communication is important
• Skills to effectively communicate ideas and opinions
• Strategies for supporting group communication and decision making
In the Communication unit, youth develop interpersonal skills and use of effective group processes. Key skills include active listening, debate and compromise, decision making, and facilitation. The skills, knowledge, and attitudes developed in this section help youth employ effective practices of leadership.
WHAT YOUTH WILL DO AND LEARN
• Knowledge of effective communication techniques and strategies
• Why effective communication is important
• Skills to effectively communicate ideas and opinions
• Strategies for supporting group communication and decision making
UNIT 2: LEADERSHIP
In the Leadership unit, youth develop and deepen their concepts of leadership. Youth are supported in thinking critically about their personal leadership styles and strengths, while also reflecting on the purpose of “leadership” in their lives and in their communities. Activities within this unit build on the norms, agreements, and decision-making strategies learned in the Communication
unit.
WHAT YOUTH WILL DO AND LEARN
• Definitions of leadership and why it is important.
• Different styles of leadership
• A complex understanding of leadership
• Awareness of their personal strengths and growth areas as leaders
In the Leadership unit, youth develop and deepen their concepts of leadership. Youth are supported in thinking critically about their personal leadership styles and strengths, while also reflecting on the purpose of “leadership” in their lives and in their communities. Activities within this unit build on the norms, agreements, and decision-making strategies learned in the Communication
unit.
WHAT YOUTH WILL DO AND LEARN
• Definitions of leadership and why it is important.
• Different styles of leadership
• A complex understanding of leadership
• Awareness of their personal strengths and growth areas as leaders
UNIT 3: RESEARCH AND ACTION
In the Research and Action unit, youth design and implement research and action projects. The sessions here draw heavily on the skills and concepts in the Leadership and Communication units and provide youth with practical forums for applying skills and concepts.
WHAT YOUTH WILL DO AND LEARN
• Think critically about strengths, challenges, and possible solutions to issues in their communities
• Identify their own research questions.
• Develop and use social science research tools and methods.
• Engage in collecting information about, and taking action on issues that directly affect them.
• Learn to use surveys, interviews and focus groups to better understand the contexts in which they live.
• Analyse findings and develop recommendations.
In the Research and Action unit, youth design and implement research and action projects. The sessions here draw heavily on the skills and concepts in the Leadership and Communication units and provide youth with practical forums for applying skills and concepts.
WHAT YOUTH WILL DO AND LEARN
• Think critically about strengths, challenges, and possible solutions to issues in their communities
• Identify their own research questions.
• Develop and use social science research tools and methods.
• Engage in collecting information about, and taking action on issues that directly affect them.
• Learn to use surveys, interviews and focus groups to better understand the contexts in which they live.
• Analyse findings and develop recommendations.