Building better clubs through better leadership: The Toastmasters Leadership Institute – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

Leadership is a continuous process of learning, adapting and growing with others. This was at the heart of the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI), a training program designed to prepare Toastmasters club officers for their leadership responsibilities. TLI brings club leaders together to develop practical skills, understand their roles better and explore ways to create stronger and more engaging clubs.

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Division A and Division C of District 41 hosted TLI at Sanskriti International School in Swayambhu. From 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., nearly 200 participants came together for five hours of learning, discussion and hands-on activities. The event brought together incoming club officers, leaders and trainers representing more than 65 clubs from across the country.

The program focused on an important question: how can leaders become better at what they do while helping their clubs grow at the same time? The training aimed to develop leadership skills, prepare club officers for their responsibilities, improve club management and strengthen teamwork and collaboration. At its core, the goal was to help leaders create clubs where members can participate, learn and grow.

The event began with a keynote speech by Ms. Bandana Rana, a prominent advocate for women’s rights and gender equality with over three decades of experience at the grassroots, national and global levels. A member of the UN CEDAW Committee since 2017, she is also the former Chair of Nepal’s National Women’s Commission and the recipient of the 2016 Woman of Distinction Award from the NGO Committee on the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Her extensive work in peacebuilding, gender equality and women’s rights set an inspiring tone for the day’s leadership-focused program.

Following the keynote, participants took part in several training sessions covering different aspects of Toastmasters leadership. The first focused on the Distinguished Club Program, which helps clubs set goals and work towards improving their overall performance. Participants explored how clubs can use these goals as a guide for creating a more active and successful club environment.

The second training focused on Navigating Different Pathways, introducing participants to the various learning paths available through Toastmasters. These pathways allow members to develop communication and leadership skills through structured projects and practical experiences.

Another important training covered Dashboard and Club Central, helping club officers understand the digital tools used to manage club information and activities. The Awards training focused on understanding the different awards available to clubs and individual members. Participants learned about the requirements and opportunities associated with these recognitions and how they can encourage members and clubs to work towards meaningful achievements.

One of the major highlights of the event was the Club Officers Training Program. The seven club officer roles were divided into separate training spaces so participants could receive role-specific guidance. This allowed each group to focus directly on the responsibilities and challenges associated with their particular position.

The training was especially engaging because it went beyond simply listening to a speaker. Participants took part in collaborative activities, shared experiences and discussed practical situations that club officers may encounter. The hands-on approach made the sessions more useful and allowed participants to learn from both experienced trainers and fellow club leaders.

The atmosphere throughout the event was professional yet welcoming. Participants arrived on a Saturday not simply to complete a training requirement but because they understood the value of investing their time in their clubs and in themselves. Conversations throughout the event were filled with fresh ideas about how clubs could improve their activities, support their members and create better experiences.

TLI ultimately showed that leadership development does not happen in isolation. A leader grows through learning, but a club grows when that learning is shared with others. The ideas exchanged throughout the event demonstrated how individual efforts can contribute to something much larger.

Perhaps the most meaningful takeaway from TLI was the shift from “Me” to “We.” Leadership is not simply about what one person can accomplish. It is about bringing people together, understanding their strengths and working towards a shared purpose. When leaders grow together, their clubs have the opportunity to grow with them.