April 9, 2021
Province to Engage Youth on Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education Transformation
– – –Opportunity to Hear Directly from Students Across Manitoba: Cullen
The provincial government is inviting students from all diverse backgrounds and all corners of the province to have a seat on the Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council and join in the critical discussions on the future of education, Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.
“Our government wants to harness the talent and forward-thinking perspective of our youth to help shape the future of Manitoba’s Education system,” said Cullen. “Council members will be able to voice the changes they want to see and it’s important that I hear directly from students about their experiences in school.”
The Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council is one of the priority actions in the Better Education Starts Today: Putting Students First strategy released on March 15. The Student Advisory Council will enable youth to have more influence on the education system and issues that affect them. The council will:
• discuss and provide input to the minister on aspects of the education system and how they affect the children and young people who experience it today;
• bring youth insights to the department and the education sector to help inform the path forward;
• create a network for students across Manitoba with a way to share their perspectives and advice and;
• provide feedback on department initiatives and work collaboratively with fellow council members.
“Sharing their experiences and insights will help inform how we work and will ensure a vibrant future for Manitoba’s education system,” said Cullen. “Council members will also have an opportunity to build their leadership skills and interact with students across the province while providing valuable feedback as we continue to consult with Manitobans on how to make our education system the most improved in the country.”
The Student Advisory Council will be comprised of up to 20 Manitoba youth, aged 14 to 18 and will report directly to the minister of education. Council members will serve a 12-month term starting in August 2021 and ending in August 2022. In addition to meeting with the minister of education, council members will meet with government staff and education stakeholders. COVID-19 safety precautions will be taken as required, which may mean virtual meetings.
For more information on the Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council and how students can apply, visit https://bettereducationmb.ca. Deadline for applications is May 10. Successful applicants will be announced June 2021. The council’s first meeting will be held in August 2021.
The Better Education Starts Today: Putting Students First strategy can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/2020_2021/better-education-starts-today-report.pdf.
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