Ellerton Primary School in St George hosted a vibrant flag-raising ceremony on Monday, aimed at instilling a sense of leadership and national pride in its students. The event, led by youth advocate Taahir Bulbulia, emphasized the importance of independence and citizenship. Bulbulia engaged the students with an interactive call-and-response session, encouraging them to proudly greet their school and reflect on their roles as young Barbadians. He challenged them to consider how they could contribute to their country and improve their school and community. Bulbulia highlighted the significance of leadership in everyday life, urging students to support their peers and stand against issues like littering and bullying. He also inspired them to dream big, whether as athletes, singers, or artists, and strive to be the best in their chosen fields. Principal Karen Sealy-Cox provided a historical context, recalling Barbados’ first Prime Minister, Errol Walton Barrow, and the origins of the national anthem and pledge. The ceremony concluded with the raising of the national flag, the recitation of the pledge, and the singing of the anthem. As Barbados approaches its 59th year of independence, Bulbulia encouraged students to carry the same energy and leadership into their classrooms, homes, and communities, reminding them that they are the future leaders of the nation.