Students from the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School were rewarded with certificates for their participation in the Beckwith International Leadership Development program (BILD) hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.

According to the Youth Sport Trust, the BILD program is a “unique international initiative that increases the life chances of young people through sports leadership.”

More than $250,000 has been pledged to the program that aims to equip children and young adults with the skills necessary to function effectively within society.

The Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Shawn Edward, presented the students with certificates of participation.

“The work you do in the classroom will shape you into upstanding individuals and citizens to make Saint Lucia a better place; but what happens within the confines of the classroom isn’t sufficient. That alone will not equip you with the skills that you need to face the challenges of society. This why the Government of Saint Lucia has put a program in place to help complement what happens in the classroom,” he said.

“There is a focus on sporting activities, but the result will be a solid cadre of young leaders who will succeed at school and in the communities where they live."

Launched in 2009, the BILD has pioneered methods that develop capacity while reducing the dependence on outside trainers. These methods promote innovative thinking and practice, and inspire leaders in sports and education.