THE NCB Foundation in association with the University of the West Indies Leaders, Engaged, Activated, Dedicated, Ready to Serve (UWI LEADS) at Mona launched the Michael Lee Chin Youth Leadership Series on Thursday.

The series is focused on engaging tertiary students with an aim to mould and create leaders in various disciplines through mentorship and dialogue while instilling the spirit of giving back.

The Michael Lee Chin Youth Leadership Series was inspired by Lee Chin’s love for Jamaica and his passion for youth empowerment through education. The programme, which is expected to be staged on a quarterly basis, will also give an opportunity for other local and international luminaries to share their experiences with young Jamaicans across the island.

In front of an audience of approximately 400 UWI students, Lee Chin impressed upon them that as a leader “your behaviour today is your history tomorrow”, and encouraged them to “make bold moves with calculated risks”. Lee-Chin’s charge to the students was to live with beliefs, purpose and a cause, and be reminded them that “your reputation will be your passport to success”.

In Lee Chin’s address he also provided his recipe of ingredients for a fulfilled life and characteristics of a true leader which includeds embracing high aspirations, an enduring value system and a commitment to high performance.

UWI LEADS targets students of the UWI wishing to develop their leadership skills and abilities. Operating under the principle that leaders are made, UWI LEADS creates opportunities for students to learn about best practices in leadership and to engage each other about their own personal leadership journeys. The students are currently engaged in programmes on leadership and social justice and a programme for the Leadership Platinum certificate having completed the gold and diamond certificates last year.

In the Social Justice certificate they are engaging issues related to literacy, youth and community development. The students are currently working in 10 schools and five communities.

NCB Foundation supports programmes that develop leadership skills in youth and encourage active citizenship.