From Cook Islands News Future country leaders honoured Saturday November 29, 2014 Written by Aleyna Taripo Published in Education Youth development programme trainee Murray Wilson, pictured here surrounded by his proud parents Melanie and John Paul Wilson as well as his delighted grandmother Henrika Wilson, was named the top student of his section after the two week programme. Wilson and fellow trainees graduated in front of proud family, friends and supporters on Friday morning and was the spokesman for the group. He acknowledged the NZDF team and Cook Islands police for their support during the course. Pride and joy shone through the faces of the young men who graduated yesterday as part of the Blue Light Youth development programme. After two long weeks of military-type training and living, the young men appeared physically fit, disciplined and ready to be the next young leaders in the community. The men endured the strenuous physical drills and mentally challenging exercises as part of the two week programme. They were also able to have lessons with Tereora College guidance counsellors Nga Teinangaro and Thomas Wynn. “The boys were really focused and there was different dynamics in the group this year,” says Wynn. The men learned more about their identity, vaka, Pacific migration, voyaging, marae and traditional ta tatau with local artist and tattooist Croc. During the official speeches, the young men were commended for their efforts and encouraged to be the next future leaders of the country. “Today is a reverse psychology. I am proud of you guys. We as a country are proud of you all. We will be seeing some excellent Cook Islanders running our country in the future,” says patron of the course George George. Some of the young men were awarded for their consistency, hard work and performance throughout the course. Driver Araipu, Solomona Wichman, and Toru Arona won most improved awards while Murray Wilson, Justice Vano and Tearaito Tereapii won the top student awards in their sections. Overall most improved student was won by Tairoa Arakua and James Nand was awarded the overall excellence award. Trainee Murray Wilson spoke on behalf of the young men. “During the course my brothers and I have learned many different things. We learned to use different types of values such as leadership, honesty, integrity respect, confidence, courage and discipline. I highly recommend this course for people who want to make change for themselves as I have in this course. Don’t hesitate to do the course because an opportunity like this may only come once in a lifetime.” The official ceremony ended with a strong and chilling haka performance by the passionate young men led by a member of the NZDF team. After the official ceremony, family and friends congratulated and greeted their sons with flowers, hugs, kisses and tears of joy after two weeks of no contact. Cook Islands police would like to acknowledge First Windows and Doors, Cook Islands Customs, Howard Tane Customs, Cook’s Buses, Island Craft, Timberland, General Transport, Cook Islands Building Supplies and CITC building centre for donating the awards and providing the young men a work experience opportunity during the course .
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 04:34:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015