By Steph Troughton
newsroom@mapleridgenews.com
Dozens of children as young as 10 who live in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district are learning to become leaders.
Annually, the District Student Advisory Council works with approximately 100 students in grades 5 to 7 who, throughout the year, take part in various activities that range from volunteering in schools and the community to fundraising for charities such as the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
Olivia Leaf, in Grade 10 at Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary grade and DSAC co-chair, said she feels the experience for the students involved helps build their confidence so they can lead initiatives themselves as they start to appreciate the importance of their community contributions.
“It’s very important for these kids to realize how even a small contribution can make such a big impact.”
Leaf, who started with the leadership program in elementary school, plans to continue until she graduates because she loves working with younger students.
“These kids are amazing. They have the greatest ideas about how they can make their communities better.”
Students who take part in the program were recognized at a year-end event called Celebration of Respect. Held Monday at the Greg Moore Youth Centre, the event incorporated six workshops, as well as a donation presentation to children’s hospital.
Students raised $3,248 for the hospital this year.