Red Deer students excited to serve on Minister’s Youth Council

Thirty-two students in grades 7 through 12 from across Alberta have been selected to the 2017-18 edition of the Minister’s Youth Council.

In a release, Alberta Education says the students chosen from 232 applicants are passionate about a wide range of issues.

“Though their backgrounds are diverse – from rural to urban – these incredible young people are united in their passion for education and their desire to ensure that every Alberta student is given the best opportunities for success,” the release said.

Three of the students named to the council are from Red Deer – Ursella Khan, Breagh Mason and Liam Lorrain.

“I was on a youth council in Grande Prairie and I really liked being a part of that, having a voice and offering something to my community. So this is a really cool opportunity for me,” said Khan. “I want to bring some ideas and focus on education and talk about how we can make it better for every youth, not just one target area.”

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Khan gained considerable attention last month after she stood up against protesters at her school, Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. Her message of inclusivity from that day is one she plans to bring to the council.

“I hope that we can make change to our education in a very positive way,” she noted. “Not that there’s anything wrong with it now, but just maybe looking at how to make it more inclusive and to get our voice out there.”

Mason, who will be attending École Secondaire Notre Dame High School next year, wants to use her position on the council to advocate for better mental health supports for students.

“I personally struggle with anxiety, so I’d like to decrease the stigma around mental health and show students that it’s ok to ask for help,” she explained.

Khan says she is anxious to meet the rest of the youth council and working with Education Minister David Eggen.

“He is a minister who actually cares about the youth in our province and hearing their ideas and getting them out there, which I think is pretty cool,” she said.

“I am already looking forward to our first meeting in the fall when we get to roll up our sleeves and begin discussing important education issues,” said Eggen. “Student perspectives are so important to the success of our education system. We have to work together to protect and improve education and make life better for Alberta students.”

The Minister’s Youth Council members will attend three meetings in Edmonton: Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2017, Feb. 2-5, 2018, and May 4-7, 2018.