Project Catalyst 2024: A Journey of Growth and Camaraderie

The wind carried the whispers of Project "Catalyst 2024", organised by Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa around the end of August. But this wasn't meant to be any ordinary leadership training, oh no! Instead, Rtr. Navindu and I designed it as to unleash the inner leader in every board member, packed with friendship, growth, and memories that would last a lifetime.

It started with inspiring workshops and mentorship sessions, with valuable takeaways and life changing insights. It was apparent that the board members eagerly absorbed the wisdom flowing through these sessions, holding onto every piece of advice like treasures.  On the 25th of August, this virtual congregation's energy soared high as two leading lights took center stage.

First up was the powerhouse that is Mr. Yukthi Gunasekara, a well-known face in the circle of Rotaract, who energised the session "Recipe for Success." I think his practical tips on personal development and the daily habits leading to success encouraged board members to reflect and light the fire of their ambitions.  His words weren't just advice, they were a challenge, an invitation to seize the future with both hands.

Next in line was Rtr. PP Paveen Perera, one of our beloved past presidents of Rotaract Mora and Assistant District Representative for District 3220.  With a heartwarming blend of humour and wisdom, he shared tales from his Rotaract journey, filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. I hope they were taken to heart by the board members, and that they left motivated and ready to take on the responsibilities that came their way throughout this year.

The real adventure, though, kicked off on September 1st at the picturesque Sense Pavilion in Horana. As the board members arrived, they were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink that set the tone for what would be a day of endless fun and growth. The games that followed had everyone rolling with laughter, quite literally! The air was filled with joy, camaraderie, and a palpable sense of unity. We all indulged in team-building activities that inspired collaboration and creativity. Laughter erupted when the challenges were taken head-on, finding strengths in one another that formed bonds that outlived the program.

Thus, after an energetic morning, we all gathered to enjoy a sumptuous lunch filled with animated conversations. With every bite, our conversations grew more animated, the jokes more frequent, and the laughter louder. We all were infected by the energy, and stories flowed nonstop as they re-energized for the afternoon's fun. Later, games proved all are light-headed, which created more of a joyful atmosphere.

By the end of the day, the sun dipped low, and we were served tea. Over tea, we came together to share the moments of the day with a group photo. The smiles, the joy, the memories, they were all immortalized in that one perfect shot. Smiling, with comradeship in their hearts, we all left the pavilion around 6.00pm, taking away with us much more than new skills but a connection to each other that would last long.

I think project "Catalyst 2024" was not just a training program but an occasion for feasts of growth, developed on the substratum of shared laughter and bonds. Essentially it was a celebration of leadership, growth, and friendship. The leading team that emerged from this was committed to bringing about changes not only in their clubs but also in society. All the board members left with much more than just new strategies, they left with connections that would last a lifetime, a shared promise to make a difference not only in their clubs but also in the world around them.