February 6, 2009
Craig Kielburger to Visit Centennial
Young people are often referred to as “the leaders of tomorrow”, or “the future”. However, Craig Kielburger argues that young people can be the leaders of today. On Friday, February 13, Kielburger will help DSBN students from grades 6 to 12 explore their leadership potential when he visits Welland Centennial to talk about his Me to We initiative and how youth can take action to build a better world.
“We are very excited to have Craig speak to students,” says Sue Ehgoetz, Vice-Principal, Greendale Public School. “Our students recognize that they have an important role to play in the health and well-being of their local communities. Throughout the year, students plan and participate in many charitable events and community initiatives, and hearing Craig speak will inspire them to continue building on the progress they have already made.”
In order to participate in next Friday’s event, students were asked to prepare a service learning project to reach out to their school, local or global community. Examples of projects submitted include putting on a “hero fair” at school with stories of others who have made a difference in the world, visiting senior citizens living in long term care homes and raising funds to purchase equipment to supply families in developing nations with clean water.
Ehgoetz also notes that character education is an important part of the DSBN curriculum “and through a variety of programs such as Roots of Empathy, Tribes, Me to We, CHAMPS, Green Street and others, students spend time each day learning the ideals of integrity, leadership and responsibility. Craig’s visit will certainly compliment our academic programs.”
Craig Kielburger is the founder and chair of Free The Children, a unique international development and youth empowerment organization. Since its founding in 1995, Free The Children has become the world’s leading youth-driven charity, inspiring an entire generation to stand up and have their voices heard. Craig is also the Co-founder and Director of Me to We. The goal of Me to We is to encourage ethical living and social responsibility, while also helping Free The Children achieve financial sustainability.
Students attending the event will also support the local community by donating a non-perishable food item to Welland’s community food bank.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, February 13
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Welland Centennial, 240 Thorold Road West, Welland