The Lions Club of Hout Bay kick-started their 2024 Lions Youth Leadership Program with Matric students of Hout Bay High School in Hangberg. This is their final year before going into tertiary studies at a university or college; or to a learnership or internship. The Lions Club wants to support their development and equip them with hard and soft skills as they navigate life.
I was privileged to be invited to do a motivational speech at the kick-off event and also to lead the youths on the topic of Emotional Intelligence. I enjoyed engaging them and helping them build their confidence. They should be proud of how they participated fully, reflected every step of the way to distil learnings that they could apply in their daily life. Many expressed how they wanted to excel in their studies.
Ah, to be young again and have all those years ahead. I approached it in the manner of sharing what my 17 year old self would have wanted to hear 30 years ago. What if I understood the concept of emotional intelligence and was more aware of self, others and the relationships that were forming? I wish someone told me not to worry, that it's ok to ask for help and support. I hope they found the knowledge supportive and useful.
Liz Huckle kindly wrote me this email which I have her permission to share. I also thank her for giving me the chance to develop to my full potential.
"Dear Woon
On behalf of the Lions Club of Hout Bay and especially of course our
students please accept our huge thanks for giving so generously of your
time.
Not only your session on Emotional Intelligence but also your motivation
at our launch were inspiring, thought provoking and truly valued and
appreciated.
It was so good to see the positive interaction and reaction between you
and our students and we all learnt so much about one another and our
strengths and how , where and what we can improve.
And you helped us to gain a better understanding of one another as we
work hard to give our youth the chance to develop to their full potential.
With our grateful thanks
Liz and the Lions Club"