Harmony Toastmasters Club of Al-Khobar in coordination with PANORAMA, a community organization, conducted a youth leadership program (YLP 2016) with the theme SMART — Successful Motivated And Responsible Teens. At the event, which was meticulously organized in line with Toastmasters International requirements, 22 high school students from 8th grade to 12th grade learned the techniques of effective communication and leadership skills. The YLP sessions prepared the young leaders to face challenges, get organized and demonstrate effective communication skills. Several workshops were conducted over a six-week period by senior Toastmasters. The workshops covered speech organization, impromptu speaking, speech evaluation, vocabulary, vocal variety, listening, gestures, body language and guidelines for speech contest preparations. Each youth leader delivered three prepared speeches and multiple impromptu and evaluation speeches during these sessions. President of Harmony Toastmasters Club Johnson Samuel was the chief YLP coordinator. He was supported by Phani Kumar, Viraj Shetty as assistant coordinators and Vasudev Warrier as YLP adviser. The highlight of the YLP was a speech contest and the grand finale, which was held in Classic Restaurant. Youth leaders showcased their talents in prepared speeches, table topics and speech evaluation. Dignitaries who attended the event included heads of educational institutions, Toastmasters division and Area officials, youth leaders and their parents. Johnson Samuel welcomed the guests and gave an introductory speech about the purpose of the program. District 79 Saudi Arabia Director (elect) Dr. Soliman Almadi, Process Consultant, Saudi Aramco, delivered the keynote speech. He also awarded YLP Completion certificates to the Youth Leaders. Dr. Almadi congratulated Harmony Toastmasters for undertaking the challenging task of developing the young talent to become future leaders. Division F Director for Toastmaster Clubs in Eastern Region Alex Philip commented on the scintillating performance of the youth leaders and appreciated the efforts taken by YLP Team to nurture them. Mohammad Safiullah, Area 61 Director, in his speech, appreciated the support of all Toastmaster Dignitaries and Toastmasters of Harmony Club, who supported the program and the educational sessions with utmost dedication. John Joseph, Head Master, Boys Secondary Section, International Indian School Dammam, was the chief guest. YLP Adviser Vasudev Warrier engaged the parents and the youth leaders through an interactive feedback session, which was well received. The youth leaders showcased YLP theme coupled with a presentation of their ambition and it caught the attention of entire audience. PANORAMA (Pathanamthitta Non-Resident Organization) extended all necessary support to conduct the YLP program successfully. President Sulaiman and General Secretary Anil Mathews appreciated the relentless support from Harmony Toastmasters Club and Senior Toastmasters in completing the Youth Leadership Program successfully and expressed happiness at the transformation they witnessed in their children. The grand finale witnessed skilled performances by youth leaders in three categories. The first, second and third place winners respectively were: Prepared Speech — Emly Mariam Varghese, Delvin Saji, Sandra Maria Scaria Nelly; Table Topics (Impromptu Speech) — Hridhya Eldose, Ashlin Deena Mathews, Emly Mariam Varghese; Evaluation Speech – Ansuhri Vasudev, Noel Sam Varghese and Akash John Varghese. Arvin K. Mathews, Saisuchith and Ansushri Vasudev were the contest masters. Johnson Samuel was the contest chair and Abraham Thomas headed the panel of judges. Winners of the contests were awarded with trophies and certificates. All 22 Youth Leaders were presented with certificates and gifts for their successful completion of the program.
