Teenager and University of Auckland Political Studies student Shail Kaushal has been chosen to undergo a leadership and training programme.
He was among nine others chosen through a robust selection process to participate in the pilot project called, ‘The Young Leaders and Collaborators Auckland Pilot Programme.’
Organised and run by the Office of Ethnic Affairs, the Programme has been designed to encourage young men and women to become ethnic leaders in the Governments of the future.
The Programme, commencing on August 16, 2012 at the Office of Ethnic Affairs, aims to shape leadership qualities among young men and women in the 16-24 age group.
If successful, the Programme would be launched in other parts of the country next year.
Shail said that the training models would include advocacy, public speaking, government machinery, diversity training, project management and delivery, volunteering, media and networking.
There could be opportunity for ‘shadow jobs’ in government departments as well as career guidance, he said.
“This Programme will help me to learn and enhance skills in public speaking, communications with the media and shape my career in general. It will also help me to effectively represent multicultural groups and serve the people of New Zealand,” Shail said.
Emerging leader
A powerful orator and strategy planner, Shail represented Labour MP Dr Rajen Prasad in ‘Youth Parliament’ held in July 6 and 7, 2010 in Wellington.
He is Secretary of Labour Party in Mt Roskill (where Phil Goff is the elected Member of Parliament).
His article on ‘Sale of State Assets’ appeared in our June 1, 2012 issue.
His father Sunny Kaushal, who contested for Labour at the Pakuranga Constituency in the last election (2011), said that the Pilot Programme will enable Shail to understand the strengths and issues relating to diversity and help him employ the benefits, prepare him to represent and assist the Government in achieving its objectives to integrate ethnic communities.
“It will also help him in his efforts in nation building and motivating the youth to actively participate in the democratic process,” he said.
Shail intends to contest in the next year local board elections in Auckland and hopes that the Programme will prepare him to represent a cross-section of the population.
