The Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc (SIFI)’s Skills Training Program spearheaded the Leadership Training and Fellowship Seminar for first year to third year college scholars from different parts of Negros Occidental. The event took place during the last quarter of 2022 at the PSMA Training Hall, SIFI Training Center, Talisay City with Mr. Rhoderick Samonte as the resource speaker for the two-day training.
On the first day of the “Leadership in Focus Training”, a variety of values and self-awareness exercises were conducted to make the scholars mindful of their behavior and decisions in certain situations. One of the activities called the “Baker’s Dozen” prompted the scholars to list down a number of things that they cherish. This was then related to how student-leaders should set their priorities.
Rhoderick Samonte orients the scholars regarding the schedule of activities.
Samonte shared that “Leadership starts with “I””, which stands for initiative. He also used Socrates’ famous quote “Know thy self” to remind the scholars that self-awareness is an important aspect in each other’s lives. The scholars learned how to identify their strengths, weaknesses, fears, and aspirations reflected by their own values.
The second day focused on communication skills and strategies. The participants were refreshed with the discussion on basic types and modes of communication. A message relay activity was held to practice the scholars’ competence in communication. The scholars’ teamwork was also tested in an activity that required them to build a model using barbeque sticks and yarns.
Scholars take part in creating a model using barbeque sticks and yarn.
With their homework from the previous day, the scholars synthesized their answers on identifying the good and bad leaders. The scholars discussed the pros and cons of the leaders on the list. Samonte highlighted that “right practice makes perfect” and that leadership is the capacity and ability to influence a group of people to take a certain specific action toward the achievement of a set of desired goals.
With their homework from the previous day, the scholars synthesized their answers on identifying the good and bad leaders. The scholars discussed the pros and cons of the leaders on the list. Samonte highlighted that “right practice makes perfect” and that leadership is the capacity and ability to influence a group of people to take a certain specific action toward the achievement of a set of desired goals.
Samonte explains how leaders influence the people; a scholar synthesizes the pros and cons of the leaders mentioned from their assignment.
The scholars shared that through the leadership training, they learned that self-discovery will help in the improvement of their confidence and enhancement of their potentials. They also stated that by developing themselves and going out of their comfort zones, they will be able to create connections and inspire their fellow students.
Scholars take a photo from Day 1 and Day 2.
Samonte ended the session with a challenge to the scholars saying “If you want to lead, you must be willing to serve. Are you ready to commit to a life of service?”
