English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
French
SpanishThe pandemic forced us to cancel the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Youth Symposium. While we had considered going virtual, after talking with School Boards, teachers, social workers and reviewing our own resources, we felt the Youth Symposium is one of those programs that needs to be IN person!
We look forward to seeing everyone in 2023 and will send out more details in the fall about the 2023 Youth Symposium.
The Youth Symposium is a meaningful day-long program held on three consecutive days, reaching almost 1,500 Grade 8 students and their teachers from across Guelph and Wellington County on its first day and an additional 3,000 students and their teachers from across Waterloo Region on the second day and third day.
The Youth Symposium provides an opportunity to help and support youth during this very challenging time by equipping these young people with the skills and confidence needed to meet many of life’s challenges and opportunities – empowering them towards strong futures.
“I feel inspired to be an even better person than I am now.”
A Student
Youth SymposiumPowerful presentations from some of the best speakers in the country speak to issues like bullying, personal accountability, substance abuse, resiliency, risk taking and healthy dating – all topics that are important for students’ social, physical, emotional and mental health as they prepare to begin high school. Each presenter uses a different style and approach that adapts to different learning styles ensuring the day’s messages resonate with everyone.
The program is 100% accessible and through sponsorships we are able to ensure it is affordable. It is open to all Grade 8 students in Waterloo Region and Guelph and Wellington County. Students remain with their class throughout the day and the smaller theatre setting encourages better dialogue between themselves, their teachers and their presenters. Teachers participate with their students and this allows them the opportunity to continue the learning in the classroom beyond the Youth Symposium.
“The speakers present on many levels – the kids pick up valuable messages, but there is so much for teachers too, which can be taken back and incorporated into individual classrooms and schools to spread the message even further.”
A Teacher
Youth SymposiumTo learn more about our Youth Symposium, check out the most recent brochure that outlines the presenters and their topics, the goals of the Youth Symposium, and our wonderful sponsors who support this program.
For more information on the Youth Symposium, including how to sponsor or attend, please contact Linda Mark at linda.mark@childwitness.com, 519-744-0904.
Child-Witness-Centre-Youth-Symposium-2019-Brochure