Two teens from Chatelech Secondary School met Lt. Gov. Judith Guichon, toured Govern-ment House and viewed the actual proclamation that created the Crown colony of British Columbia in 1858 as part of the Democracy in Action youth conference held Oct. 27 to 28.
Cosette Wagner and Marin Paul are both Rotary Club Interact students. They heard about the conference, offered as a pilot project this year, through Interact, a school-based club for kids 12 to 18 who want to join together to tackle issues in their community.
Cosette thought the conference sounded like fun because she has an interest in politics.
“I’ve always found it very interesting and just learning more about democracy and where we come from was appealing,” she said.
Marin was also interested in what the conference had to offer.
“Because I thought it would be a cool experience and a fun way to learn more about British Columbia and democracy,” she said.
The youth conference was a two-day pilot project supported by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development along with B.C. Rotary clubs.
The project was aimed at “fostering a better understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship and promoting active engagement in civic duties and opportunities in home communities,” a press release stated.
Attendees between the ages of 16 and 18 learned about the history of democracy in B.C., the establishment of B.C. as a province and the role it played in the First World War.
Students also met the lieutenant governor during a session at Government House and attended workshops about the electoral process and the way government works.
“The most memorable moment was the question and answer period and meeting our MLAs,” said Marin. “It gave us a feel for what real government and politics is like.”
The most memorable moment for Cosette was meeting the lieutenant governor. “That was really cool. I’ve never met anybody in a pretty powerful position before,” she said.
Marin and Cosette, both 16, found the entire experience rewarding and hope the pilot program will be extended to more students next year.
“I definitely think a lot of kids could benefit,” Cosette noted.
