This is the 10 year anniversary of the University’s leadership programmes, both of which are free, self-paced, extra-curricular programmes that complement students’ academic studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
This year was the first in which over 100 students completed VILP, with 81 students receiving the Award and a further 37 exchange students finishing the tailored programme. Over 650 students have completed VILP since it began in 2008.
48 students received the Victoria Plus Award this year and a further 49 completed the Certificate level of the Programme. 2018 also saw the Victoria Plus Programme win the “Benefiting Society” Category of the Australasian Green Gown Awards which acknowledges the programme’s contribution to the Wellington community over the past 10 years. During this time over 600 students have completed the Victoria Plus Award and Certificate.
Hosting the awards, Provost Professor Wendy Larner described the programmes as an integral part of the student experience, with those who get involved becoming globally-minded, civic-minded, engaged students.
“To be amongst students engaged in global issues and taking action on a local level not only inspires me but gives me a huge sense of pride to be part of our University.”
The keynote speaker was alumnus Yoseph Ayele, the co-founder and CEO of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, who shared his inspiring story. He reminded the recipients that their achievements so far were only the beginning and he urged them to continue their service and leadership in the community but to also apply that knowledge to the challenges we all face in a global context.
Prabhu Raveendran Nair, a Master of Applied Finance student, completed VILP this year and spoke on behalf of the other VILP awardees: “To me, the Victoria International Leadership Programme was an enlightening journey that realigned my understanding of what international leadership truly stands for, in a way that is relevant and applicable today.”
Michelle Goh, a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science student, who received the Victoria Plus Programme and spoke at the awards ceremony described the programme as invaluable. “I have had so many opportunities that have allowed me to give back to the University as well as to the wider community which I have grown up in.”
The staff of both programmes extended their gratitude to everyone who has supported and contributed to the programmes over the past ten years.