RISE Workshop: Empowering Youth Through Wellness and Purpose

On August 16th, 2025, CPL Foundation Inc. and Sir Brian Bell Foundation, co-lead sponsors of RISE, supported the RISE: I Am Loved workshop held at Nambawan Super in Port Moresby. CPL Foundation Chairman Sir Mahesh Patel attended as the guest speaker, joining mentors, leaders, and 20 students from Tokarara Secondary School to explore the importance of holistic wellness and personal empowerment.

Founded by Kristine Berry and Michelle Pillay, RISE is a youth-focused organization dedicated to fostering growth, tertiary education, and employment opportunities through structured mentorship. The I Am Loved workshop centered on five key areas of wellness: physical, mental and emotional, spiritual, technological, and financial, each designed to equip young people with the tools to thrive in every aspect of life.

As Chairman of the CPL Foundation, Sir Mahesh Patel delivered a keynote address that was both personal and powerful. Drawing from his own experiences, he shared five reflections that have shaped his journey as a leader and a human being:

• Physical Wellness: “Your body is the engine of your dreams.” Sir Mahesh spoke about the importance of movement, rest, and nourishment, reminding attendees that energy and confidence begin with how we treat our bodies.
• Mental and Emotional Wellness: He challenged the notion that strength means silence. Sharing stories of setbacks and resilience, he encouraged young people to speak up, seek support, and embrace vulnerability as a form of courage.
• Spiritual Wellness: Sir Mahesh emphasized the value of faith, not just religious, but a deep belief in purpose. He spoke of daily reflection and gratitude as grounding practices that helped him navigate life’s challenges.
• Tech Wellness: In a world dominated by screens and social media, he urged youth to use technology mindfully. “Likes don’t define your worth. Filters don’t define your beauty. You are enough, just as you are.”
• Financial Wellness: He stressed the importance of financial literacy from a young age. “Money is not about showing off, it’s about choices, freedom, and peace of mind.” He encouraged attendees to start budgeting, saving, and asking questions early.

The workshop concluded with a powerful reminder: rising doesn’t always look like success on the outside. Sometimes, it’s choosing rest over giving up. As Ezlyn Barends, co-founder of Dream Girls Academy, beautifully put it:
“We don’t just teach skills, we grow together as sisters, leaders and women who rise, fall and rise again.”

In addition to CPL Foundation’s leadership, Sir Brian Bell Foundation supported the workshop’s logistics and mentorship, helping make the event inclusive and impactful. Their commitment to youth empowerment was also reflected in the Blood Drive Awareness Q&A with Xenia, which encouraged open dialogue around health, giving, and community responsibility.

CPL Foundation Inc. has contributed over K200,000 to sponsor the program, which began in April and will continue through September, culminating in a graduation ceremony in October 2025. With growing interest from other organizations to join as sponsors next year, the program looks forward to welcoming more girls and expanding its reach and impact across the community.