THE World Sikh Organization of Canada’s inaugural Sikh Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) concluded successfully in Calgary last week. After taking part in a rigorous application process, 20 Sikh youths between the ages of 18-25, from across Canada, including Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, were selected to take part in the program. Participants gathered from August 14 to 17 to receive leadership training in emotional intelligence, advocacy, community building and social justice.
The training program included training by internationally recognized leadership instructor Dr. Rumeet Billan as well as guest lectures and panel discussions with leaders such as Suneet Singh Tulli (founder and CEO of Datawind), Palbinder Kaur Shergill (first Sikh to be appointed Queen’s Counsel in Canada), Bhupinder Singh Hundal (media consultant and former Manager of Omni News) and Sony Singh Ahluwalia (crown attorney, Alberta) amongst others.
The 20 graduates of SYLI will be provided ongoing mentorship and opportunities to serve their communities in various capacities.
WSO President Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergill said: “The inaugural Sikh Youth Leadership Institute was a great success and highlighted the talent and ability of our youth. The young people selected to take part in SYLI are already doing great work and we are hopeful that they have now emerged with even more skills and training, along with the support of a nationwide network of colleagues, to serve as leaders and advocates for their community.”
