RBC Young Leaders attend WE Day Toronto

For the third straight year, the most outstanding young leaders from the RBC WE Schools youth development programme experienced the thrill-of-a-lifetime when they took part in the eagerly-awaited WE Day experience which was held in Toronto last week.

Eight students, representing secondary schools across the country, travelled to Canada last Monday for the hallmark visit which was the highlight of their personal involvement in the RBC WE Schools (formerly RBC Young Leaders) signature youth development programme. It was the first time that all eight students were visiting Canada. They expressed their joy and excitement at being selected for the trip which culminated in the inspiring WE Day event at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Thursday.

“I am absolutely thrilled, but a bit nervous, to be part of this select contingent of RBC Young Leaders who are representing Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for young people like me and I intend to learn all I can and enjoy myself to the fullest. A lot of responsibility has been placed on our shoulders as young leaders and I am confident we will meet the challenge since I believe we have developed a lot as young leaders through the programme,” said Brendon Persad, 15, Form 4 student of Presentation College, Chaguanas, offering his thoughts on being an RBC young leader.

In addition to Persad, the students making the trip for the WE Day initiative were Jaheim Maule (San Juan South Secondary); Aneil Ramdeen (Manzanilla Secondary); Maya Nanan (San Fernando Central Secondary); Daniel Ramsey (Russell Latapy Secondary); Seth Figueira (Fatima College); Kirby Moses (St. Joseph Convent, St. Joseph); and Sheron Cross (Matelot Community College). They were accompanied by Petra Koonoolal, Manager, Mortgages (North), Specialised Sales Force and team chaperone.

At their send-off to Canada, RBC Managing Director, Darryl White, advised the young leaders that would be ‘official’ ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago during their stay in Toronto where they would be among thousands of youths from diverse backgrounds. “Welcome to the next phase of your RBC WE Schools adventure. No matter what you think you might expect from what we tell you, there will be surprises. WE is about the power in ‘me’. Always realise you are important.

Leave your mark in Canada. You are being rewarded because, as young leaders, you have inspired others.

Remember, as ambassadors, you represent your school, your community and your country,” White declared.