John F. Ross students host a school event to empower youth action
For Immediate Release
February 28, 2204
As global issues increase yearly, their effects on the younger generation grow as well. Despite many young students having been told that their influence is minimal, John F. Ross CVI students were determined to increase awareness amongst their peers. This year, the school is running its first ever “Global Awareness Symposium, ” an event designed to inspire curious students to make an impact by introducing them to those dealing with global issues of many types.
Students were quick to take a liking to the organized “Global Awareness Symposium,” seeing it as a starting place for how they can help their community. Many students are passionate about social justice but feel helpless in the face of disaster, not knowing how they can be a part of the solution. With the Global Awareness Symposium, JFR students are given a chance to learn about the adversities faced by others globally and locally, and how they have overcome or dedicated their lives to helping the cause.
The event will take place on March 7, 2024 from 12:15 – 3:20 PM. Keynote speaker Carla Beharry will be starting the symposium by speaking about the fundamentals of activism and navigating racism, discrimination and adversity through embodied bystander intervention. Students will then watch one of two sessions, each with 4-5 speakers, based on their selected topic of interest. The event will end with a Q&A panel where all attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions from speakers they did not have the chance to meet.
The symposium is filled with amazing speakers. We will hear from GlobalMedic, OPIRG Guelph, Hope House, Black Heritage Society, and the International Development Program at the University of Guelph. Roya Sheikho, a John F. Ross student, will also speak about her experience as a survivor of the Syrian War. Students will be given the chance to learn about a variety of different global issues ranging from disaster and poverty control to racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, to environmental concerns and the mental health crisis. Not only will these speakers share their personal experiences and insights, but they will also provide students with ways in which they can take action themselves within their communities.
The Symposium has been a product of immense dedication from both students and teachers. The idea was first designed by Grade 12 Leadership students, Raha Haghighi Khoshkhoo and Cynthia Voduris, both of whom have an interest in social justice and global affairs. With the help of teacher supervisors Chantale Zongor, Ferris Howe and Damian Scott, the two students have been able to contact a large variety of speakers and are hopeful to have 60-80 students register for this event.
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PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chantale Zongor
Staff Advisor and Teacher
Written by Raha Haghighi Khoshkhoo and Cynthia Voduris (John F. Ross Students)
John F. Ross C.V.I
Email: [email protected]
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