The Manitoba Government has announced the 2022-23 Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Student Advisory Council. In addition to the 8 online meetings there were conversations with education partners and education ministers: Former Minister Cliff Cullen and current Education Minister Wayne Ewasko.
The Student Advisory Council reports directly to the minister of education and early childhood learning, and provides insights and advice on current and emerging issues and topics affecting kindergarten to Grade 12 students.
Morden Collegiate Institute student from Western School Division and Youth Council Member for the City of Morden Bijan Salimi will be returning for his second year.
He shared what kinds of discussions took place in his first year as Co-Chair for the Council.
"In particular, we spoke about mental health and well-being. We know the pandemic has had such a major impact on everyone’s medical health, and so we spoke about strategies on how to mitigate that. We spoke about child poverty and its major effects on the education system. We also spoke about student suspensions, expulsions, how those can negatively impact the students learning, but overall, we spoke with some fantastic members of the Education Department on just how we can make Manitoba schooling better for everyone."
Interacting with students from around the province is a rare opportunity, Salimi continued.
"And that, for me, was one of the most eye-opening parts. You live in Morden, but you never really get to hear or see how every student’s school is completely different across the problem. Some who came from struggling communities, you finally get to see, you'll never get to understand, but you'll get to see just how difficult schooling can be for some people there, and how, in their life, it's unfortunately not a priority, just due to the circumstances surrounding it."
Salimi was asked if discussions were held in regards to Manitoba's Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP) of Reading Mathematics and Science scores.
"It's really no secret, Manitoba has, unfortunately, been struggling pre pandemic in areas such as Science and Math, and we do rank generally near the lowest of the country. There's a lot of factors surrounding this and that has been an ongoing conversation we've had both with the Minister of Education and other departmental staff, child poverty, mental health and well-being, and other life circumstances. This is a big talking point for us on the council, but we believe the best way is to fight the issues surrounding it."
Salimi looks forward to building on the momentum of last year and meeting in person this year, meeting with Education Stakeholders, Minister of Education and the Student Advisory Council to make education better for everyone.
"I encourage all Manitoban students, anyone who's listening, to get involved, this is our future at stake here. I believe that the best way to generate positive change is to be actively involved in it. So, I would encourage everyone to take the time to share your feedback, share your opinions with the government and this is your future at stake. This is our future at stake. Together, I truly believe for the next generations to come, we will have established better education in Manitoba."