Dunkley and other delegates participated in community service action and team-building projects/ activities, such as piling pieces of wood so that the community can resell them to raise money to help protect the communities natural forests and environment; playing team-building games to help the group on a whole to connect; and become as one to solve problems and issues the group may encounter.

"We also learnt about 'The Seven Highly Effective Habits of a Teenager' and what we can do to change the way we think and see things as young people, not only with our fellow peers but also with our parents on a whole," she said.

"Understanding them and knowing that they are humans as well, that they have feelings just as we do."

During the weeklong programme in Boston, Dunkley learned about effective leadership and how to develop her own leadership abilities to make a difference at home.

Activities

Hands-on activities such as playing group-building games, such as 'the muse', taking risks that you would not do on a normal basis, such as bungee jumping out of a tree, and allowing your peers to be your strength and support in all that you do, professional speakers, workshops, and visits to significant local venues gave Dunkley a new perspective on what it takes to lead.

"This programme gave me the opportunity to learn how to become a more independent person, and how to be more aware of my environment and those around me," she said. "It also gave me the opportunity to develop my own community service project in which I was taught how to create, plan and execute such a project over the next six months in my community."

The People to People Leadership summits are designed to allow students a chance to explore the various aspects of leadership in specific contexts. Programmes focused on the role of young women as leaders, in politics, or community service, help young people discover their own potential. The programmes offer students a unique blend of specialised educational, leadership, and cultural exposure as well as an itinerary filled with the highlights of the hosting community.

Participants in these programmes often experience life-changing attitudes towards individual and shared responsibilities, global leadership, appreciation of cultural diversity, enhanced personal growth and self-confidence.