Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2021-22 (RYLA) was held on 12th and 13th March at the CHE adventure park ,Kosgama. This well-organized event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Colombo North. Rotaract always inspires and improves the personality of the young generation by establishing various events. RYLA is one of the significant events all the Rotaractors eagerly wait for on an annual basis. This year was a turning point for RYLA among all the other years. Because more than 100+ not only Rotaractors but also Interactors were given the chance to engage with RYLA from all over the country.

Let us look back at the experience at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards also known as RYLA in the eyes of Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya.

I was truly excited and looking forward to the event since I got the honour to represent the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura at this event. 

Rotaract is a family for any volunteer who wishes to make new bonds with strangers. So, even before the event started, everyone started getting to know each other by having small chit-chats at the pick-up point. Once we arrived at the location, the organizing committee welcomed us and held an opening ceremony altogether. DRR. Rtr. Akhila Wijetunga, DIR. Int. Munthaz Barry, RYLA chairperson, Rtn. Amjith Yoosuf and many distinguished guests addressed the gathering and welcomed all the delegates present.

After the addressing of the gathering, all Rotaractors and Interactors were split into teams as Alpha, Delta, Charlie, and Bravo with the guidance of Mr. Kolitha Ramanayake and his team. A haka session was done by each team in collaboration with Interactors. It was undoubtedly what gave an energetic start for all of us.

The first indoor session was about the basics of speaking, listening, presenting, and overall communication with a structure. Additionally, we were given time to introduce ourselves individually and to get to know each member of the team. That time-space helped me to get an understanding of the importance of communication and learned a new structure to present a speech in public.

The next activity was a cross-over with interactors. During that time, we learned how to react to a phenomenon that will come unaware and how to lead the team in such a situation towards achieving our goal. It was a fun and insightful session and the enjoyment was increased because of the blessing of rain, and unforgettable leeches as well. 

As Rotaractors, we should be exemplary to our juniors as they’ll follow our route. So, the most awaited moment for Interactors arrived which was the awarding ceremony. As seniors, we prepared the hall and the ceremony was held with charm. Then, all the Rotaractors gave a warm and memorable farewell.

At the end of the first day, a DJ event was held along with beautiful singing and dancing performances till midnight proving that volunteering in Rotaract and Interact is not only work but also a place to showcase our talents and entertainment as well.

The second day of RYLA commneced with a Physical training and meditating session early morning. Even though the time span was short for that session; we were able to reflect on ourselves within that period.

The indoor session of the second day was about the evaluability of being empathetic to others. That nicely flowed by explaining with life experiences of Mr. Kolitha.

Then, we had an outdoor session with our teammates and I would love to title it as the “Lava escaping” activity. Our teamwork and communication skills of each individual were improved by this activity. Further, we learned how to achieve a common goal step by step by correcting our previous mistakes.

After that, we were asked to write any problem anonymously and those were collected. Then. Mr. Kolitha and his team separated each chit as, personality issues, emotional issues, and other issues. The majority were the first two categories. The session was continued by giving solutions for the issues that were selected. Majority of the repetitive issues were discussed, and the instructions and advice were really advantageous to overcome such problems not only for the person who has the issue but also useful for the rest of the young generation gathered on that day when resolving similar issues they come cross in the future .

After having a tea break, we were back to the hall to do a presentation on the topic of “What you gained from RYLA 2021-22”. Every team was well prepared and presented very creatively within the given time period. Even if only a few members spoke, the output was a combination of all the team members and that implies, the contribution of every individual needs to perform as a team in an advanced way. 

Last, but not least, Rotaract Youth Leadership Awards 2021-22 was concluded by giving certificates and awards. During the speech of Rtn. Amjith Yoosuf mentioned that they have an idea to change the RYLA name to “Rotaract Youth Leadership Academy”. Also, he stated that another RYLA will be held with the participation of different Rotaract districts in 2024. So, we moved out as Rylarians with a lot of experiences, new friends, and a hope that inspires us to come back. 

Even though I participated in some leadership camps and sessions, this was hands down one of the best events I’ve been part of. In my perspective, that is why Rotaract is different from others. I learned who a real leader is and what a real leader does beyond my expectations throughout these two days.

“After you become a leader, success is about growing others” ~Jack Welch.

This is one and the most important thing I learned at RYLA 2021-22 and I’m waiting to share my experience with my fellow Rotaractors and bring RACUSJ and Rotaract to a higher state in the future.

Written by Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya