News
Leadership and Motivation: Opportunities For Existing Foster Youth
The project “Leadership and Motivation: Opportunities For Existing Foster Youth”, has been financially supported by the construction company CEMEX. The project was intended for 15 youth from foster families, and 10 youth from biological parent families. The purpose of the project was to provide opportunities for youth to be able to reach new levels of personal development, and to improve upon existing skills and talents. The project program consisted of a combination of practical (hands on) and theoretical learning activities, based on a “learning by doing” framework.
The program was led by Atis Ķenģis with volunteered assistance coming from the youth organization “Piedzīvojums” as well as contribution from a social worker. Within the framework of the program, individual youth meetings, pre-seminar group meetings were conducted leading up to the highlight of the project, which was a three day seminar called “Leadership and Motivation”.
The seminar “Leadership and Motivation” took place from October 30th to November 1st in the region of Ķegums, at the Birzgales county farmhouse “Rites”, which was conducive to an excellent learning environment. The first day began with a 15km long hike through swamps, fields and forests using a compass, all of which symbolized the attainment of a goal, remaining focused during challenging times. The hike also played the role of solidifying group cohesion, because all participants shared in the challenges of reaching the same goal and destination.
The subsequent days were filled with additional adventures and challenges. Adventure is an effective way of getting participants to “step out” of their comfort zone, and to remove or question preconceived notions they may have about life. It is an opportunity for self-analysis and reflection, and to better understand how they can become more effective leaders. The most challenging activity participants faced was to jump from a high-wire (being secured by a harness), for the purpose of seeing oneself as brave and being able to overcome fear.
The feelings of unity, teamwork, and family are what make these activities unique. Activities were conducted in teams, which allow participants to better understand themselves, as well as to discover how to effectively work together with others. Participants were encouraged to learn to love each challenge wholeheartedly!
— November 28, 2014
The project “Leadership and Motivation: Opportunities For Existing Foster Youth”, has been financially supported by the construction company CEMEX. The project was intended for 15 youth from foster families, and 10 youth from biological parent families. The purpose of the project was to provide opportunities for youth to be able to reach new levels of personal development, and to improve upon existing skills and talents. The project program consisted of a combination of practical (hands on) and theoretical learning activities, based on a “learning by doing” framework.
The program was led by Atis Ķenģis with volunteered assistance coming from the youth organization “Piedzīvojums” as well as contribution from a social worker. Within the framework of the program, individual youth meetings, pre-seminar group meetings were conducted leading up to the highlight of the project, which was a three day seminar called “Leadership and Motivation”.
The seminar “Leadership and Motivation” took place from October 30th to November 1st in the region of Ķegums, at the Birzgales county farmhouse “Rites”, which was conducive to an excellent learning environment. The first day began with a 15km long hike through swamps, fields and forests using a compass, all of which symbolized the attainment of a goal, remaining focused during challenging times. The hike also played the role of solidifying group cohesion, because all participants shared in the challenges of reaching the same goal and destination.
The subsequent days were filled with additional adventures and challenges. Adventure is an effective way of getting participants to “step out” of their comfort zone, and to remove or question preconceived notions they may have about life. It is an opportunity for self-analysis and reflection, and to better understand how they can become more effective leaders. The most challenging activity participants faced was to jump from a high-wire (being secured by a harness), for the purpose of seeing oneself as brave and being able to overcome fear.
The feelings of unity, teamwork, and family are what make these activities unique. Activities were conducted in teams, which allow participants to better understand themselves, as well as to discover how to effectively work together with others. Participants were encouraged to learn to love each challenge wholeheartedly!