For many years, much of the funding donated to Lochaber Rotary by the generous Lochaber public has been used to sponsor local youngsters from all four of Lochaber’s high schools – Mallaig, Ardnamurchan, Kinlochleven and Lochaber – to enrol at the Loch Eil Centre and participate in residential programmes that aim to teach tangible outdoor skills to benefit their confidence, teamwork, communication, and leadership.
At the March business lunch meeting, members heard from Freda Fallon and Alan Hoar of Outward Bound Loch Eil that the new 10-classroom Learning Village, details of which were reported in the Lochaber Times edition of March 14, is due for completion in early 2025.
The village will enable both Lochaber Rotary and Oban Rotary Clubs to continue their partnership with Outward Bound and allow youngsters from those areas, who are aged 11 to 19, to join the five-day residential course to achieve the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA).
In a passionate presentation Alan and Freda explained that the theme of the RYLA course is to use the power of learning and outdoor adventures in the wild to teach young people the most important lesson they could ever learn – to believe in themselves.
Freda explained that completing the course will give youngsters the “superpower” that transforms their behaviour throughout school, work and beyond.
Freda added: “We will build their communication and problem-solving skills, unlock their potential to turn motivation into action, learn from inspirational speakers and have fun and make lasting
friendships.”
Past-president Mike MacGruer thanked Freda and Alan for their inspirational and well-illustrated presentation and members responded with warm applause.
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