LYLA 2023
International Leadership Exposure
Continuing Adventure
Building on the success and momentum of its inaugural year, the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) initiative returned in 2023, promising an even bigger and more transformative experience for its participants. With 38 students and 7 leaders on board, the programme embarked on a new chapter, this time finding its home at the prestigious University of London. This change of venue marked a significant shift, driven by the desire of students to immerse themselves in the vibrant academic and cultural hub of the city.
The decision to relocate LYLA to the University of London was met with excitement and enthusiasm from both participants and organizers alike. Nestled in the heart of the capital, the university offered unparalleled access to world-class resources, renowned faculty, and a rich tapestry of academic and cultural experiences. For students, the opportunity to study in such a dynamic environment was not only a dream come true but also a chance to broaden their horizons and expand their perspectives.
The decision to relocate LYLA to the University of London was met with excitement and enthusiasm from both participants and organizers alike. Nestled in the heart of the capital, the university offered unparalleled access to world-class resources, renowned faculty, and a rich tapestry of academic and cultural experiences. For students, the opportunity to study in such a dynamic environment was not only a dream come true but also a chance to broaden their horizons and expand their perspectives.
Touching Down at Heathrow
In an effort to optimise the experience for participants of the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA), organizers made strategic adjustments to the flight arrangements for the 2023 programme. This included a significant alteration: students now arrived at Heathrow Airport in the early morning, providing them with ample time to rest and rejuvenate before beginning their LYLA journey.
This shift in arrival time addressed a common challenge faced by participants in previous years, where late evening arrivals left students feeling fatigued and disoriented as they embarked on their programme the following morning. By landing in the early morning hours, students were afforded the opportunity to relax and acclimate to their new surroundings, setting a more positive tone for the start of their LYLA experience.
With the morning sun casting a golden glow over the terminal, students dis--embarked from their flights with a renewed sense of energy and excitement.
This shift in arrival time addressed a common challenge faced by participants in previous years, where late evening arrivals left students feeling fatigued and disoriented as they embarked on their programme the following morning. By landing in the early morning hours, students were afforded the opportunity to relax and acclimate to their new surroundings, setting a more positive tone for the start of their LYLA experience.
With the morning sun casting a golden glow over the terminal, students dis--embarked from their flights with a renewed sense of energy and excitement.
Pioneers at the Helm
In a heartwarming display of continuity and commitment, the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) 2023 programme saw the return of several students from LYLA 2022, who volunteered to support their junior counterparts as guides and mentors throughout the duration of the programme. These returning students, affectionately referred to as "leaders," played a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for their peers, ensuring that the LYLA experience was enriching and impactful for all involved.
Unlike their previous participation in LYLA, where they were active participants in the programme, the returning students in LYLA 2023 took on a different role as volunteers. Rather than attending classes and workshops, they served as guides and mentors to the incoming cohort, providing support, guidance, and encouragement as needed. From offering insights into the programme curriculum to sharing personal experiences and advice, these leaders played an invaluable role in helping their junior peers navigate the challenges and opportunities of LYLA.
Unlike their previous participation in LYLA, where they were active participants in the programme, the returning students in LYLA 2023 took on a different role as volunteers. Rather than attending classes and workshops, they served as guides and mentors to the incoming cohort, providing support, guidance, and encouragement as needed. From offering insights into the programme curriculum to sharing personal experiences and advice, these leaders played an invaluable role in helping their junior peers navigate the challenges and opportunities of LYLA.
Drawing Wisdom from the Best
The London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) 2023 programme has seen an unprecedented surge in participation, with the number of students tripling compared to previous years. This overwhelming response has prompted the University to make significant adjustments to ensure that all participants receive the highest quality of education and support. As a result, LYLA 2023 has expanded to include two classes.
The decision to expand the programme was driven by a commitment to accommodate the growing interest in LYLA and provide a meaningful experience for all participants. With a larger cohort of students, organizers recognised the need for additional resources and support to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the programme. By splitting the participants into two classes, the University aims to create a more conducive learning environment, allowing for greater interaction, engagement, and personalised attention.
The decision to expand the programme was driven by a commitment to accommodate the growing interest in LYLA and provide a meaningful experience for all participants. With a larger cohort of students, organizers recognised the need for additional resources and support to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the programme. By splitting the participants into two classes, the University aims to create a more conducive learning environment, allowing for greater interaction, engagement, and personalised attention.
Here Comes the Exam
As part of the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) programme, students were tasked with a unique challenge: to observe and innovate within the bustling environment of Nike Town on Oxford Street. Divided into groups, participants spent hours immersed in the dynamic atmosphere of the flagship store, carefully observing the behaviours and preferences of customers. Their mission? To identify opportunities for innovation and propose creative solutions to enhance the Nike Town experience.
After hours of observation and analysis, each group reconvened to brainstorm ideas and develop their proposals. Drawing upon their collective creativity and ingenuity, students explored a wide range of possibilities, from interactive digital displays to personalised shopping experiences. But it was one group in particular that stood out with their groundbreaking idea: the creation of a line of personal care products branded under Nike.
After hours of observation and analysis, each group reconvened to brainstorm ideas and develop their proposals. Drawing upon their collective creativity and ingenuity, students explored a wide range of possibilities, from interactive digital displays to personalised shopping experiences. But it was one group in particular that stood out with their groundbreaking idea: the creation of a line of personal care products branded under Nike.
Blissful Graduation Moments
As the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) programme drew to a close, participants gathered for a momentous occasion – the conferral of their LYLA Certificates, marking their official graduation from the programme and welcoming them into the esteemed ranks of LYLA Alumni. With hearts full of pride and anticipation, students assembled for a short ceremony to commemorate their achievements and celebrate the bonds forged during their LYLA journey.
With smiles stretching from ear to ear, students exchanged congratulatory hugs and words of encouragement, buoyed by the knowledge that they had not only completed the programme but had also laid the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and success.
But the celebration did not end there. Eager to capture the joyous moment for posterity, students spilled out into the open air, where they gathered beneath the bright sun and blue skies to take photographs of this milestone occasion.
With smiles stretching from ear to ear, students exchanged congratulatory hugs and words of encouragement, buoyed by the knowledge that they had not only completed the programme but had also laid the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and success.
But the celebration did not end there. Eager to capture the joyous moment for posterity, students spilled out into the open air, where they gathered beneath the bright sun and blue skies to take photographs of this milestone occasion.
Preserving the Tradition
The next day, participants of the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) gathered once again for a cherished tradition – the farewell picnic. Building upon the foundation laid by their predecessors in 2022, students came together to celebrate the culmination of their LYLA journey with an afternoon of laughter and shared memories.
In keeping with tradition, students took it upon themselves to prepare and bring food to the university compound. The picnic spread reflected the diverse culinary talents and cultural heritage of the LYLA participants.
Amidst the aroma of spices and the sounds of laughter, students gathered to break bread together, sharing stories, swapping anecdotes, and reflecting on the transformative experiences of the LYLA programme. With each bite, they savoured not only the delicious food but also the sense of community and camaraderie that had flourished throughout their time together.
In keeping with tradition, students took it upon themselves to prepare and bring food to the university compound. The picnic spread reflected the diverse culinary talents and cultural heritage of the LYLA participants.
Amidst the aroma of spices and the sounds of laughter, students gathered to break bread together, sharing stories, swapping anecdotes, and reflecting on the transformative experiences of the LYLA programme. With each bite, they savoured not only the delicious food but also the sense of community and camaraderie that had flourished throughout their time together.
Bittersweet Days Before Leaving
From wandering the historic streets of Westminster to marvelling at the architectural wonders of the City of London, students embraced the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of the city firsthand. As they explored the city, students were reminded of the lessons learned and the memories shared during their LYLA journey. From the leadership seminars to the creative workshops, every experience had shaped their understanding of themselves and the world around them, preparing them to embark on their future paths with confidence and conviction.
As the sun began to set on their time in London, students returned to the university compound, hearts full and spirits soaring, knowing that while their LYLA journey may have come to an end, the memories made and the friendships forged would endure. And as they prepared to part ways and return to their respective homes, they did so with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of leadership, creativity, and community.
As the sun began to set on their time in London, students returned to the university compound, hearts full and spirits soaring, knowing that while their LYLA journey may have come to an end, the memories made and the friendships forged would endure. And as they prepared to part ways and return to their respective homes, they did so with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of leadership, creativity, and community.
