IGE 2011: Youth Reps elected to International Council

LONDON, 13 September 2011 – Eight Gold Award holders have been elected to stand on the International Council. Elected by their peers at this year’s International Gold Event (IGE), the eight individuals will begin their three-year term at the International Council (IC) Meeting in Kenya, which follows on from the IGE.

The purpose of the Youth Rep role over the three year tenure is to represent young people within the decision making body of the IC. Serving on the IC gives young people an opportunity to contribute to the IAA’s policy making and planning processes. Youth Reps are elected by their peers at each IGE to represent the four regions: Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific and EMAS. Once elected, Youth Reps receive specific training to assist them in their role.

The election process

A formal election process was undertaken to select two Youth Reps from each of the four Award regions. Attendees looking to stand were required to submit a manifesto on their interest and readiness for the role. Their peers then had the opportunity to question the manifestos before voting for their chosen attendees. Outgoing Youth Reps acted as returning officers to ensure the process was transparent and fair.

The newly elected Youth Reps will serve on the IC until 2015. Incoming Youth Rep from Ghana John Laryea says he is looking forward to serving his region: “I am very grateful for the opportunity given to serve young people within our region. I hope that with collaboration and networking we will be able to deliver effectively.”

As well as representing the regions on the IC, previous Youth Reps have contributed to the International Award Association’s (IAA) work on a number of levels, from writing for IAA publications and newsletters to representing the IAA at national, regional and international youth conferences.

Outgoing Youth Rep from the Americas region, Felicia Pickard, who recently represented the IAA at the Caribbean Youth Leadership Summit, says being a Youth Rep gave her the opportunity to get more involved with the Award on a global level. “I’ve been able to learn a lot about the Award around the world and in particular in the countries that make up the Americas. Being a Youth Rep is an amazing opportunity to help make a positive impact on the Award.”

Youth Forum

Before the IC Meeting, IGE attendees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with the International Council, which includes the newly-elected Youth Reps. It provides an opportunity for IGE attendees to use what they have learned at the IGE, discuss their proposed projects with the Award family and be part of a strategic plan for the future of the Award.

Key to the Youth Forum is that it is led by the young people. By leading the planning and discussion process attendees are able to develop their leadership skills. The Forum is also an opportunity for the IC to hear youth perspectives on Award issues directly from young people.

“As chairman of the IC I find these sessions invaluable in making sure the work of the IC is relevant. As a direct result of the Youth Forum, any number of issues can become part of the IC’s future work,” says HRH The Earl of Wessex KG KCVO, International Trustee and Chair of the International Council. “Also, several members of the IGE will be selected by their peers to directly represent them on the IC for the next three years, so not just continuing the work they started, but also helping to shape other policies and priorities as part of the IC’s agenda.”

Incoming Youth Reps:

1. Africa: 
John Laryea (Ghana)
, Robert Otunga (Kenya)

2. Americas:
 Al-Karim Khimji (Canada)
, Anna-Mirelle Martin (Bahamas)

3. Asia Pacific:
 Ravichandran Balasubramaniam (Malaysia), 
Tan Yan Liang (Singapore)

4. Europe, Mediterranean & Arab States (EMAS)
: Michael Adamberry (Gibraltar)
, Sophie Kerstens (Netherlands)