The Embers of Leadership
6 October 2024Fifth Year James Eiffe reports on his participation in the Ember Faith Leadership Programme, a student leadership initiative of the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Flames exude warmth but burn out while embers demonstrate some enduring and powerful characteristics that contribute to long-term, sustainable leadership. Julie Winkle Giulioni
On the 17th of September 2024, John Byrne, Anna Carroll, Milo Smith, Cormac O’Shea, Brooke O’ Connor, Charlotte O’ Donoghue, Caoimhe Kellher and myself participated in the Ember Training Programme at Ovoca Manor. The Ember Leadership Programme was created to help spread the Catholic faith in schools through student-led activities and events.
On the first day, we were shown to our rooms. We were soon called up to the function room to be briefed on our first group activity: it was to come up with a team name, and a crest which best represents our school. Our team name was ‘The Smiths’. Then we were taken to the sports hall for some games. After that we had lunch, then did some more group activities with our group from our school.
In the evening we had dinner, then we said a few prayers, and sang some songs which was good craic. The next day was filled with activity. We participated in archery, a ‘leap of faith’ and climbed on a climbing wall. In the evening we practised our singing for the ceremony the next day, and went to bed, good and tired. In the morning we had our ceremony, received our certificates and said our goodbyes. Overall, I had a great time and would 100 percent recommend the programme to pupils going into Fifth Year.
