South Shore Students Discuss Democracy
High school students from eight schools in the South Shore Regional School Board district eagerly shared their views on issues of concern in Bridgewater today, April 25.
The Democracy 250 initiative, supported by VOX:Point of Youth, the Department of Education, the South Shore Regional School Board and Elections Nova Scotia, was the fourth of eight youth meetings held across the province.
Democracy 250 co-chair John Hamm said the reaction of young people to these sessions has been tremendous. "They know the issues and want to share their views with their fellow students. Almost everyone said these sessions should continue in the future."
Fellow co-chair Russell MacLellan said, "Seventy-five per cent of young adults under 25 are not voting. Older Nova Scotians need to better understand the reasons why so many young people, who are otherwise very concerned and vocal about issues, aren't voting."
Students also took part in a mock vote, watched a series of ads featuring D250 Youth Ambassadors, previewed Rant for Democracy, a thought-provoking video on youth voter turnout, and took part in a question and answer session with the Democracy 250 co-chairs.
Videographers were on hand to film the day-long session which will be included in a mini-documentary on youth and democracy. The documentary, along with a report that summarizes the findings of each of the youth town hall sessions, will be shared with Nova Scotia's political party leaders in the fall.
Deborah Pellerin, youth program co-ordinator, Department of Education and VOX:Point of Youth, welcomed Democracy 250's efforts to get more youth engaged in their communities and participate in the electoral process.
"By working closely with youth organizations, Democracy 250 is doing more than just giving young people a chance to vent their frustrations. It is giving them an opportunity to hopefully change things for the better," Ms. Pellerin said.
Democracy 250 is a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of parliamentary democracy in Canada.
For more information, visit the Democracy 250 websites at www.D250.ca or www.Democracy250.ca .