At a time when many are consumed by technology, it often seems that youth have become less motivated and passionate to create change in their communities. Although hyper-aware of the latest trends or what is going on in other parts of the world, many don’t seem to realize that there are many local issues that they can help solve. Some do though!
For the past nine years, The Ripple Effect Education (TREE), supported by Kindred Credit Union and the Centre for Peace Advancement, has run the Peace Innovators Scholarship and Mentoring Program. This program has supported and encouraged high school students to respond to issues they’ve recognized in their communities and create small scale solutions. On April 16, the latest cohort of 11 students showcased their Peace Innovators projects at Conrad Grebel University College to an audience of family, friends, and supporters.
Several students noticed issues with inclusivity in the Waterloo Region. One student, after living with her grandparents and interacting with elderly people at work, noticed that seniors didn’t have many events or activities that connected them with different age groups. She decided to host intergenerational tea parties as a way to bring youth and seniors together. Another innovator, responding to the disappointment of not making the basketball team in grade nine, decided to host a basketball tournament for other students who didn’t get the chance to play for the school's team.
Some projects centered on mental and physical health advocacy. Facing struggles with feelings of isolation, one student wanted to make sure that others knew that they weren’t alone. His solution was to create a website where adults share their experiences and how they overcame their struggles to encourage youth who are struggling. Another pair of students noticed that many people their age skip meals, so they created a presentation to teach others the importance of healthy eating habits.
Others tackled the lack of engagement or resources for youth. One peace innovator noticed the lack of financial education in high schools and decided to create her own resources by making a podcast, website, and presentation to teach about investing, saving, and budgeting. A student who was active in public speaking and debates but didn’t have access to many resources at her small high school decided to create an accessible program for others to practice their debate skills. Another student noticed that peers at her local church weren’t supporting the community around them and decided to create an event for youth to gather resources to distribute to those in need. A pair of siblings noticed that many events that take place in the Waterloo region lack attendance from youth and together created a website that publicizes upcoming events so young people can find them all in one place.
The final group addressed environmental issues. They realized that due to urbanization and lack of awareness, habitats for pollinators are under threat. In response, they are educating elementary students on the importance of pollinator plants by giving presentations, doing crafts, and providing milkweed seeds to plant.
Beyond the Peace Innovators Program, The Ripple Effect Education (TREE) leads sessions in K-12 classrooms and bespoke workshops for workplaces and community groups to help transform conflict and build positive peace. The final Peace Innovators Showcase clearly highlighted the way that TREE Director Laurel Boytim and Manager of Children and Youth Programs Zelal Tutak created an encouraging environment for youth with big ideas. This program is proof that youth do care, and, if given support, resources and opportunities, can be part of making positive change in their communities.
