More than 50 school students from the Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia have taken part in leadership programme On Rarotonga this week, setting themselves goals and tackling challenges - head on.

A week of activities including a cross mountain hike, business visits, a beach clean-up, environmental experience, syndicate group projects, island survivor activity and a workshop at Gallery Tavioni saw young leaders push themselves.

Yesterday it was time to give thanks as they graduated and prepared to say their goodbyes.

At Tamarind House in front of the graduating group and invited guests, Future Leaders Academy programme manager Jethro Gilbert thanked numerous groups and individuals here for their support.

Seven staff members with four syndicate leaders led Year 12 and 13 students who had proven leadership potential.

Gilbert said the programme focussed on giving them the skills to lead, giving them a vision to turn into a reality, and connecting them with other young leaders across the Pacific.

Read more: Using Cook Islands experience to develop young leaders

“We wrap it up with experience rather than just sitting in a classroom; the overall aim is to strengthen bonds of Pacific peoples.”

The week included its share of overcoming adversity, and students were challenged in their thinking, and asked to consider other points of view.

In acknowledging the Rarotonga community, Gilbert said there is an openness here to support others.

Naenae College Year 13 student Oni Ki-Toalepai, 17, said the programme allowed him to be a voice, and build his confidence as a young leader.

He plans to attend Victoria University in Wellington next year.

The cost to participate is mainly covered by each individual student and many students fundraise to help cover their course costs.

The fees for Cook Islands students are heavily subsidised.

There were 28 New Zealand students, six Australian students and 22 Cook Islands students taking part.  

The mission statement is to strengthen the South West Pacific by developing effective junior leaders and strong future networks, through facilitating a community of connection, culture, experiential development, adventure, and leading by example, while developing capacity.

Future Leaders Academy is an organisation that focuses on developing leaders in the Pacific – so their courses this year are going to Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. 

It was established in 2013, to deliver leadership development training and experiences.

Although the flagship programme is running advanced student leaders trips to the Pacific Islands, it also works with the New Zealand Government, schools, corporates and clubs.

Its team has a diverse background from the military, business, youth development, to government and international expeditions.