THREE of Jamaica’s young leaders are to represent the country on the international stage this summer, but to make the trip they need additional funds.

The trio — all from St Jago High School in St Catherine — are head girl Christine Broadbelt; deputy head boy Khari Edwards; and deputy head girl Shantel Stewart. They are to represent Jamaica at the Global Youth Leaders Conference in New York and Washington DC in the United States, beginning next month.

Of the $1.05 million they require to make the trip, they have so far managed to raise $730,000 — thanks to their own fundraising efforts and that of their school principal Sandra Swyer-Watson as well as donations from a few corporate entities and the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica. They now need to raise an additional $320,000 by May 27 if they are to make it to the conference, which brings together outstanding young people at venues around the world to build critical leadership skills within a global context.

The annual event, held since 1985, offers students the opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with some of the world’s top business leaders, policy officials, lobbyists, journalists, diplomats, and academics. To date, more than 200,000 young people, aged 15 to 18, from some 100 countries have participated in the conference. This summer, it will be held in the USA, China and Europe from June 12 to August 10.

The Jamaican students are looking forward to the trip.

“It was last October that we heard about it and we are very excited,” Stewart said. “I have actually began to talk to other persons from the Caribbean and other countries about it on Facebook (and), it’s just so exciting to finally get to meet these persons I’ve been talking to, and to represent my country (overseas).”

“I hope that the conference will help in my decision-making as a leader… I’m particularly looking forward to conflict resolution,” added Broadbelt, noting that she also has an interest in world affairs.

Swyer-Watson has, in the interim, endorsed the students getting the support they need.

“They have been very resourceful in finding so many ways of raising funds… They see how they can benefit from this international exposure and I personally think that they are excellent leaders and the exposure they will receive will make them so much more,” she said.

Alvin Edwards, 21, who in 2008 benefited from participation in the conference, thanks to sponsorship he received, said there was no question of the benefits the students would get from participating.

“It’s a learning experience. It exposes you to other cultures and how people behave,” the Campion College old boy said.

Persons wishing to offer their support to the three students may contact Swyer-Watson at 984-4312 or 984-2265.

— JIS