Going through adolescence can be tough enough for many youth – but especially during these uniquely challenging and quickly evolving times we’re in! That’s why our team at Child Witness Centre (CWC) is delighted our recent Youth Symposium was successful in making a huge impact.
The 19th annual edition of this very special program for local youth has just wrapped up! Our Youth Symposium began small in 2003 but has grown to benefit many hundreds of young people every year! This time around, a total of over 1,600 grade 8 students and their teachers attended. They came from almost 30 local schools – public, Catholic, and private – from across Waterloo Region, Guelph, and Wellington County.
Large and Dynamic Initiative
Strategically scheduled in April, this powerful preventative and outreach initiative reaches grade 8 students as they prepare academically and personally for high school and ultimately the person they’re becoming. The interest level from schools is always high! This one-day educational experience is run over three days – to accommodate the large volume of students. Those in attendance heard dynamic presentations aimed at making a big impact in their lives.
New this year was the Symposium being delivered in a single-stream, large-venue format, while remaining grounded in the same values and focus that educators have come to trust. For the first time in our program’s history, the event took place at University of Guelph (inside Rozanski Hall) on April 23 and at Wilfrid Laurier University (inside Lazaridis Hall) on April 28 and 29. In most recent years, the program took place in movie theatres, by spreading out the classes between multiple cinemas, and far more speakers involved. But with theatre renovations and fewer seats being available, it was time to reimagine what the program could look like.
Powerful Messages Delivered
The featured speakers were a few of the best in the country for youth audiences. Chris Gray, Christene Lewis, and Jeff A.D. Martin leveraged their incredible lived experiences and gift of storytelling, while pouring themselves into their very meaningful and inspiring presentations. They encouraged living with purpose, hope, optimism, confidence, and kindness – while also dreaming big and pursuing goals. Themes included mental wellness, self-worth, resiliency, belonging, healthy relationships, positive thinking, and strong decision-making.
Our CWC representatives also shared a key message about the supports we offer if a young person becomes a victim of abuse or crime. A big highlight was our accredited facility dogs, Brady and Monet, appearing on stage. Last year alone, our agency supported 975 children and youth through the criminal justice system, along with 770 caregivers, to heal and move forward from their trauma.
Why This Program Matters
Through the amazing messages and interactions shared, there’s sure to be a mighty and lasting ripple effect in our community. Students were encouraged to overcome their challenges, recognize their inherent worth, shift to a champion mindset, seek help if needed, and understand the power they have in determining their own path forward. By taking place on university campuses, the event is also expected to help students envision themselves in a post-secondary setting in the future. For now, educators can carry the core messaging and themes back into their classroom discussions.
Glowing feedback for Youth Symposium has been received from many students and teachers over the years, including at this edition. One student said, “My experience was amazing. The presentations were all very inspiring, funny, and informative.” A teacher said, “Youth Symposium is one of the best field trips that a teacher could take their grade 8 class to.”
An Abundance of Gratitude
Our team at CWC would like to thank everyone who helped pull off an immensely energizing, meaningful, and unforgettable initiative. Their Youth Symposium wouldn’t be possible without generous financial supporters and many volunteers. The program sponsors this year were KW Sertoma Club, Fergus-Elora Rotary Club, the Barb and Greg Billo Fund held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation, and the Brian and Pauline Fisher Fund held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.
As we see things, youth not only deserve our support, but are 100% our future! That makes them a priceless investment of our time and resources. The reward is broad, deep, and lasting in our community.