Road Town, Tortola - Virgin Islands youths, under the age of 30, who view themselves as global citizens and are interested in working with others to overcome inequalities are invited to participate in the Royal Commonwealth Society’s (RCS) Youth Leadership Programme and Young Commonwealth Competition.

The Premier’s Office is actively seeking participation from the Territory’s youth to attend the 2010 NKABOM Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda from September 5–15. The 10-day programme will be a forum where the Commonwealth’s youth can exchange ideas and foster unity among their counterparts.

Scheduled sessions include conflict resolution and friendship building and it is anticipated that participants will establish a network of young leaders to pioneer peace building initiatives in their community and beyond. Applications for this programme must be submitted to the RCS by midnight London time on Sunday 9th May 2010.

Focal point officer for Commonwealth matters in the Territory and Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Rosalie Adams encourages persons to seize this opportunity to be more civic minded and creative in their approach to matters of the commonwealth.

“Historically speaking BVI has been a member of the Commonwealth and we have enjoyed tremendous benefits over the years. It is therefore important that BVI continues to participate in as many activities as possible as engagement helps us to be competitive with other member countries within the Commonwealth,” the Permanent Secretary stated.

The Young Commonwealth Competitions is comprised of an essay, film and photography competition and is opened to youth under the age of 30 living in a commonwealth country. Topics are to be centred around the commonwealth’s 2010 theme, ‘Science, Technology and Society’ and can explain the role that science and technology can play to help tackle challenges in the local community or around the world.

Films must be under three minutes long while the essay competition is divided into four categories for students under 18 years. Prizes will be offered and a selection of winners will be flown to London, United Kingdom for a gala awards ceremony and creative workshops. Competition deadlines for the Young Commonwealth Competition are May 1st for the essay competition, June 1st for the photography competition and July 1st for the film competition.

Mrs. Adams further explained benefits to be derived by participation in the Commonwealth programmes. “This enables interaction with highly skilled persons from the Commonwealth countries and BVIslanders are then able to sharpen their skills on a local, regional and international scale. I therefore encourage all youth to participate in this youth leadership programme and competition and any other activity as they become available,” Mrs. Adams said.

Interested persons may learn more and apply online directly at www.thercs.org/youth.

The commonwealth is comprised of 54 countries and their respective external and overseas territories. The office of the Premier is the focal point for Commonwealth matters in the Territory and aims to foster creative thinking in youths to global and local prospects.