YCIS Chongqing proudly offered the inaugural YCYW Student Leadership Certificate programme last weekend, marking a momentous step in nurturing the next generation of global change-makers. Designed based on cutting-edge research in organizational leadership, including from MIT System Awareness  and Centre for Creative Leadership in California, the programme aims to empower students with the skills to transform their communities and the world. 

The weekend of March 9th and 10th witnessed the programme's vibrant kickoff, facilitated by John Liu, Head of Pastoral Care for YCYW China. Students Year 9 to Year 12 collaborated in an immersive workshop, exploring the nuances of value-based leadership. They engaged in creative methodologies, including Lego play, to discover and practice diverse leadership techniques and strategies. 

The workshop was not just a learning experience but a celebration of potential. Students were seen laughing and brainstorming, their youthful energy matched by a newfound sense of responsibility. As they constructed Lego models, they were, in essence, building the foundational blocks of their leadership journey. 

Advanced Level students delved into the complexities of systems thinking and team dynamics, enhancing their understanding of the interconnectivity of leadership roles within larger societal frameworks. These sessions were designed to challenge the students to think critically and act strategically, preparing them to lead with insight and empathy. 

The programme will continue into that academic year with John Liu's serving  as mentor and coach to these young leaders on their forthcoming action projects. These projects are at the heart of the YCYW Student Leadership Certificate programme, providing a platform for students to apply their learning and initiate tangible change within the YCIS community. 

At YCIS Chongqing, we believe in the transformative power of education and leadership. By investing in our students' development through programs like the YCYW Student Leadership Certificate, we are equipping them with the tools to become architects of positive change, both locally and globally. 

As we celebrate this new chapter in student empowerment, we invite parents to join us in fostering an environment where our students can grow into influential leaders, ready to make a meaningful impact on the world. Together, we are shaping the future, one leader at a time.