Youth urged to help make a difference at global summit
Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — Youth in St. Kitts and Nevis are being invited to share their opinions and experiences with peers from around the world at what is described as “an opportunity of a lifetime.”
The 5th annual One Young World Summit takes place from October 15 – 19, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland and nationals of the twin-island Federation between the ages 18-30 years are eligible to attend. The organizers boast that participants “meet and learn the keys of leadership success” from global leaders such as former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, business magnate Sir Richard Branson, former United States President Bill Clinton and Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Travel and accommodation are costly but nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis are eligible for the All Bar None Scholarship which covers all expenses. The scholarship is designed to increase participation from underrepresented countries.
Sonia Boddie was a recipient of this scholarship last year and attended the forum held in Johannesburg, South Africa. She said it was a rewarding experience.
“I felt extremely empowered to return to my Federation and contribute to nation building,” she explained. “Also I had the opportunity to interact with other young leaders from across the globe and share my own ideas as to how we can make a positive contribution to the development of our own world. So therefore since I’ve returned I’ve become engaged in creating awareness on many issues that are affecting our people including breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, child sexual abuse and I’ve also given my contribution to the promotion of our own culture and heritage during the Sugar Mas 42 events.”
Ms. Boddie noted that while the scholarship is very competitive, locals should not be discouraged.
“It is a competitive scholarship but I would suggest that (you) thoroughly review the application and you make the application as strong as possible,” she stated. “You highlight what you have been doing in your community, why you think you are the best candidate from your country to be selected and what you intend to do when you attend the summit and even upon return how you expect to give back with the knowledge and experience you would have gained. So it’s important that you … ensure your application stands out from the crowd.”
Persons seeking more information about the All Bar None Scholarship can visit: http://www.oneyoungworld.com/all-bar-none-2014 or email Ms. Boddie at oywcaribbean@gmail.com.