The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2025 took place on February 22-23, 2025, at the beautiful Queen Hotel in Baturraden. This year’s event was truly unforgettable, bringing together 111 enthusiastic participants from 17 Rotary Clubs across Indonesia and beyond. Attendees hailed from various places, including Batam, Yogyakarta, Palembang, Jakarta, and Bandung. The diverse backgrounds created a rich atmosphere for learning and friendship, with additional individual participants joining from Jakarta, Kupang, Kebumen, and Cilacap.
A Convergence of Cultures
This event wasn’t just a national gathering; it was an exciting blend of cultures. Among the distinguished attendees were eleven international participants from France (RID1710) and Spain (RID2203), representing the Inbound Student Program from the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP). Their unique insights and experiences offered participants a chance to engage with different perspectives, enhancing the entire experience.
International Diversity
Adding to the cultural richness, additional students from nine countries studied at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman during the event. Participants hailed from Morocco, Sudan, Yemen, Thailand, Japan, Zimbabwe, Timor Leste, Madagascar, and more. This collaboration formed a unique learning environment, expanding horizons and encouraging meaningful dialogues that went beyond traditional classroom interaction.
Inspiring Workshops and Interactive Activities
RYLA 2025 featured an impactful agenda filled with inspiring workshops and interactive activities aimed at refining leadership skills. Attendees participated in sessions focused on core topics like communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. For example, a workshop on conflict resolution engaged participants through role-playing scenarios, equipping them with practical techniques to handle real-life challenges. Notable guest speakers from various fields shared their personal journeys, driving home the message that leadership can come from anyone, regardless of background.
Networking Opportunities
RYLA has always been a fantastic setting for networking, and the 2025 edition did not fall short. The atmosphere was charged with energy, facilitating connections that led to lasting friendships and even mentorships. One participant shared that they forged bonds with peers they would have never encountered had it not been for RYLA, illustrating the event's power to break down geographical barriers through shared experiences.
A Celebration of Leadership Skills
One of the standout moments of RYLA 2025 was the closing ceremony, which celebrated the leadership skills participants had developed during the event. Certificates of achievement were given to recognize individual contributions. This acknowledgment served not just as a memento but as a motivator for attendees to pursue leadership roles in their communities, reinforcing the idea that accomplishments, no matter how small, are worthy of celebration.
Reflection: Building a Better Tomorrow
Looking back on the transformative experience of RYLA 2025, it’s evident that developing leadership skills plays a vital role in shaping a better future. Many participants reported feeling reinvigorated to take initiative in their communities. One young leader mentioned, "The weekend changed my perspective on what it means to be a leader. I feel ready to implement positive changes in my community." This sense of purpose and commitment is just what the world needs from its future leaders.
Feedback from Participants
The positive feedback from attendees highlighted the event's overall success. Participants appreciated the inclusive and welcoming environment that encouraged open dialogue. A large percentage of attendees noted that they had made lasting friendships and connections, with many saying they exchanged contact details to continue their conversations after RYLA.
Looking Ahead: RYLA 2026
As the excitement from RYLA 2025 continues to resonate, discussions about RYLA 2026 are already underway. What can we expect next? More dynamic participants, deeper international engagement, and an abundance of enriching activities designed to elevate the program. The anticipation is palpable, with many eager to see how the next installment will enhance the legacy of RYLA in nurturing future leaders.
Final Thoughts
RYLA 2025 wasn’t just another event; it was a life-changing experience for many. Attendees not only honed their leadership skills but also formed invaluable connections with peers from diverse backgrounds. The energy, learning opportunities, and friendships created at RYLA are testaments to the importance of fostering the next generation of leaders.
As we approach the future, the impact of RYLA on these young leaders will undoubtedly shape their journeys, driving them toward creating positive legacies in their communities and beyond. With the success of this year, the excitement for what the next RYLA will unveil is already building. Here’s to the journey ahead and the next incredible leaders waiting to emerge!
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