A large group of Grade 9 nine students at Osoyoos Secondary School recently took part in the first Challenge for Change workshop.
This workshop was the idea and work of two graduating students, Kayla Turnbull and Sydney Fernandez, with the help of OSS counsellor Margie Nazarof.
The Challenge for Change project first started as an action project for both Fernandez’s and Turnbull’s social justice class during the first semester.
Turnbull stated that her idea came from her two summers spent at YES Camp years previous and her own experiences in Grade 9 with the Be the Change program.
After presenting her idea, both Sydney and Kayla worked alongside Nazarof from September to March every week planning on how to make this event successful.
Challenge for Change is a program formed to instill the concept of self-power and to become stronger and more confident, said Turnbull.
The issue of anti-bullying ran strong among the day’s activities that included a balloon relay as well as small group chats with group leaders.
Students were encouraged to speak freely without fear of judgment, creating a safe and encouraging environment.
Challenge for Change was built with the idea of promoting the importance of youth communication and bonding.
Students were continually informed that they have the support of their peers.
This program was run with the help of 10 leaders from Grade 11 and 12, including Nole Dos Santos, Justine Chartier, Robin Malcolm, Elizabeth Burnett, Madison Silvers, Gina Pereira, Kelsey Loura, Allana Davis, Katrina Zelko and Cailyn Mocci.
Several other students were also in the social justice class along with Turnbull and Fernandez.
Leaders were encouraged to develop a safe environment for their Grade 9 groups.
From the feedback, many students left inspired and with a new view about their peers.
Many viewed the program as a great experience and some even planned on helping when they reach the senior grades.
One student commented, “In Grade 10, 11, or 12 I want to be a leader.”
On an anonymous survey, students recalled their experiences.
Many students saw the impact that this program had on themselves and their peers. One student expressed that this program “…changed my thoughts.”
Another stated “…it really made us think … and we can see the impact we have on others.”
Overall the program reached out to younger students with a sense of understanding and relatable material from their fellow OSS students.
Nazarof was a big supporter of the students and the program and put in several hours of work in organizing the event.
Overall, Nazarof believes the program was a huge success with “lots of positive feedback.”
The program was not a job meant for one to do on their own and they’re “appreciative of all the support we (they) had.” With the program being such a success Nazarof said she is looking forward to working with other school leaders interested in making this workshop an annual program for all the Grade 9 students in the future.
CAILYN MOCCI
Special to the Times
Cailyn Mocci is a Grade 12 student at Osoyoos Secondary School who is interested in writing.
