Leadership Training for Refugee Teens

CRIS has partnered with LeaderSpark (http://www.leaderspark.org/) to offer an 8-week leadership training program for Nepali youth ages 12-16. These sessions were led by Kay Willson, Executive Director of LeaderSpark, along with three facilitators from the Nepali community and two program assistants. The training covered topics including working with groups, planning projects, interviewing, and presentation skills. Participants had the opportunity to earn high school internship hours, a certificate of completion, and learn valuable new skills to help them in their education and to contribute in positive ways to their communities. The intention of the training was to involve local Nepali youth, who often struggle with issues of school delinquency, dropout, and substance use, in developing practical skills to enhance their education and engagement in the community. The program culminated in a recognition celebration that allowed the youth to showcase projects they had developed and created throughout the training and share their accomplishments with the broader community.