The Rotarians recognize that today's young people will become tomorrow's leaders. Preparing those future leaders is a significant task. Young people need guidance as they navigate their way through a culture that promotes values. Rotarians can assist young people in making decisions that have a powerful influence on their personal development. Many young people have already assumed leadership roles. Their actions and attitudes can have a significant and long lasting influence on their peers. Steering these young leaders in a promising direction can have an immediate impact on a community's youth and a long term impact on the leader's life. Encouraging young people to choose the best path towards adulthood requires engaging them in activities that build up their confidence and self esteem and that provide them with the vision to identify how best to apply their own potential for leadership.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people since 1971. It is a worldwide programme, specifically designed for the development of youth leadership. Training through camps and workshops with practical exposure. Often lead to the formation or the strengthening of Ratract and Interact Clubs, the youth and the children divisions respectively of Rotary International

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth.

• Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders.

•Encourage leadership of youth by youth.

• Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

• Participants can be between ages 14 -18.

•Highly rated among students, teachers and parents. .

•An intensive training programme for the overall development of vital skills for the new generation.

• Most sought after RYLA in the region, eagerly awaited by students every year. Eminent trainers as faculty.

• Excellent location, food and accommodation.

Kochi became a vital port and center of international maritime trade since the destruction of Kodungalloor (Crangannore or ancient Maziris) harbour due to massive flooding of 1341 AD.Kerala is a major connecting point between the middle east and far eastern regions from time immemorial. Arabs, Egyptians, Chinese and other ancient traders visited here for the black gold (pepper) and other spices. Later European colonialisation happened through Portugese, Dutch and British. Today, Kochi, being the business capital, is the gateway to Kerala with its ever inviting nature, made her presense in tourism industry, IT and export businesses.

• Comunication skills.

• Personality development and etiquette.

The Rotary Club of Cochin Harbour has been organizing RYLA annually with profound success. In 2010, it has been extended with participants from SAARC Nations, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. This will enable youth to have an international cultural understanding, foster peaceful co-existence and promote goodwill apart from developing personal leadership qualities.