RBC pitches initiative to corporate partners

During the launch, held at the VIP Lounge, MovieTowne, the Bank met with clients and key partners to discuss how the youth programme has evolved and how they could get involved. Joining White were Rob Johnston, CEO Caribbean Banking; Amos Herai, Head HR; Biz Mukerji, Chief Risk Officer; Erin Barton, WE’s Chief Development Officer and members of the WE coordinating team.

White said that given the socio-economic challenges facing so many youths, programmes like Young Leaders and WE Schools provide avenues for young people to make positive change in their lives and impact their communities.

RBC and WE have been in partnership in Canada since 2012, promoting service learning and community engagement among youth through integrated, schoolsbased programmes.

Over the past three years, the partnership has included TT through RBC’s annual Leadership Conference where hundreds of students from secondary schools attended leadership development activities.

“Our partnership with the WE team has led to the formation of WE Schools/ Young Leaders, which broadens the scope and reach of our Young Leaders programme.

For more than 30 years, the Young Leaders programme has impacted the lives of thousands and while we don’t know the exact numbers, everywhere you go in this country you are sure to find a former Young Leader,” White said.

The opportunity to expand the programme is one the Bank willingly embraced, he added, saying, “This is where we see our higher purpose, making an impact on young lives.

We also encourage our corporate partners to join us on this journey.” Temporary Independent Senator Nikolai Edwards who has joined the WE Schools, coordinating in Trinidad, said the programme can make a difference in the lives of my young people.