Three students from the Foothills area get to voice their opinions on Alberta's education system for the upcoming school year.
Kamea Jr. Lafontaine from the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate School Division, Jennifer Doerksen from the Livingstone School Division, and Mina Soliman from Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School are among the 40 students selected for the Ministers Youth Council for this year.
The three will have an opportunity to engage directly with the Minister of Education and other government officials to share their views on the education system.
"Student voices play an essential role in shaping every level of our education system. By sharing their diverse perspectives, council members help us make informed decisions that reflect the needs of all Alberta students. I would like to thank last year’s council members for their contributions and I look forward to working with the student leaders of this year’s council," Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education said in a media release.
During the 10-month term aligned with the 2024-2025 school year, all 40 council members will attend meetings to voice valuable input on many education topics to the minister of education and other government officials. They will build positive relationships and take part in various leadership development opportunities. In addition, they will also develop a range of professional skills and learn about government processes.
"I really enjoyed my time being a part of the Minister's Youth Council to help shape the future of education in Alberta. It was an opportunity to make my voice heard, engage with the minister, staff, and like-minded peers, and participate in various leadership development opportunities. The experience helped to fuel my passion for education and has built the skills I need to succeed not only in school but in all aspects of life," Nathan Zhao, an Alumni with the Ministers Youth Council said in a release.
Last year, the Ministers Youth Council touched on issues of bullying and harassment, career pathways, artificial intelligence, cellphone use in schools plus more.
Recruitment for the Minister's Youth Council was conducted between March 25 to April 30 of this year. All junior high and high school students in Alberta were eligible to apply. Seven of the members from last year are returning to the council and they have brought in 33 new members to this year's council.
The first council meeting is set for October 4-6 in Edmonton.