July 7, 2021
Diverse Student Interests, Identities, Backgrounds and Perspectives Part of Minister's Student Advisory Council
– – –Advisory Council Members Insights and Advice Will Help Transform Manitoba's Education System: Cullen
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A diverse group of students from all corners of the province will join in critical discussions on the future of education as members of the Student Advisory Council, Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.
“Establishing the Student Advisory Council is one of the priority actions in the Better Education Starts Today: Putting Students First strategy released in March and the government is looking forward to ideas from youth on what is needed to improve student outcomes and well-being,” said Cullen. “Council members will provide insights and advice on issues and topics that are current and emerging for Manitoba kindergarten to Grade 12 students.”
“I am honoured to be a member of the Student Advisory Council. It is my belief that all Manitoban kindergarten to Grade 12 students should have a voice in our education,” said Namirembe Afatsawo, a Grade 10 student at Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute in The Pas. “I look forward to bringing a perspective as a student living in the north and collaborating alongside talented and diverse students from across Manitoba.”
The province received close to 200 applications for consideration. The 29 students are aged 14 to 18, and as a whole, represent the diversity of the people in Manitoba, the minister said. They come with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives from across the province and include Indigenous, French language, LGBTQ, visible-minority students and students with a disability. Council members will serve a 12-month term starting in August 2021 and ending in August 2022.
“I am pleased to be a member of the Student Advisory Council to help find accessibility solutions within our school environment,” said Lily Rich, a Grade 11 student from Balmoral Hall School in Winnipeg. “From a young age, I have had to carve a path of accessibility. I was the only student with a physical disability in any classroom, so I had to build my educational experience from the ground up. This meant consulting extensively with teachers and support staff to create an accessible learning environment, guiding changes to common spaces to ensure safety and independence, and working to create a space for future students with disabilities to thrive. I want to make sure all students have the resources they need to succeed.”
“The council members will share their experiences and valuable insights and have input on education to ensure a vibrant future for Manitoba’s education system,” said Cullen.
During the 12-month term, council members will meet with the minister of education, government staff and education stakeholders and COVID-19 safety precautions will be taken as required, which may mean virtual meetings.
“I am excited to be part of the minister’s Student Advisory Council because I think it's a great opportunity to gain insight and provide feedback while collaborating with others regarding the future of our education system,” said Aidan Tully, a Grade 11 student at St. Paul's Collegiate in Elie.
For more information on the Student Advisory Council, go to https://bettereducationmb.ca/manitoba-education-student-advisory-council/.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2021/07/BG-Student_Advisory_Council_Members-ED.pdf