Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

Vancouver Teenager, Toronto Engineer Honoured For Their Civic Engagement

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Dec, 2015 01:00 PM
    OTTAWA — Hana Woldeyes says she can't fathom what pain Syrian refugees faced as they fled their country, but she's got an inkling of what the teenagers will go through as they try to settle into a new one.
     
    The 17-year-old Vancouver high school student, who emigrated from Ethiopia in 2013, has been reaching out to young newcomers in her area after living through the bewildering experience herself.
     
    Woldeyes was one of three Canadians to receive the "Everyday Political Citizen" award at a ceremony on Thursday in Toronto. Samara Canada, a charity that promotes civic engagement, set up the award to celebrate how ordinary Canadians — not just elected officials — engage with politics.
     
    "It was hard at first because I had to overcome my fears and because I thought I would never see my mom and I'd never find friends, I'd never get to speak English properly," Woldeyes said of her move to Canada.
     
    "I was scared to talk or approach people, because what if they asked me something? What am I going to respond back? It was so hard."
     
    Woldeyes said proactively connecting with immigrant youth, rather than waiting for them to figure out available community services, helped her to survive her own period of integration.
     
    Cory Nicotine of Edmonton began reaching out to fellow citizens after doing development work in Tanzania. He said he was curious about the Idle No More movement when he returned to Canada, and decided to set up a panel discussion to inform other people about the indigenous rights initiative too.
     
    That led to other events, including one session on Edmonton's municipal election, featuring mayoral and ward candidates. He called the series "Knowledge is Powwow."
     
    "Youth aren't engaged in politics because they don't know who's running or what they're running for...I felt like if they met [candidates] on a personal level, they'd be more willing to be engaged," Nicotine said.
     
    "A handful of youth that attended were inspired and went out to vote on voting day."
     
    A third award was given to Toronto engineer Luke Anderson, whose StopGap charity helps fund temporary ramps for businesses. Anderson began using a wheelchair in 2001 after a spinal cord injury.
     
    "There's a lot of attention given to our elected officials and our institutions of government," said Jane Hilderman, Samara Canada's executive director.
     
    "They get a lot of media coverage and their public service is often celebrated, but those that work behind the scenes and are enhancing democracy in their own way often go unthanked for their efforts, and yet where would be without them?"

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Frigid Dip Into B.C. Fishing Harbour No Escape For Alleged Bike Thief: RCMP

    Frigid Dip Into B.C. Fishing Harbour No Escape For Alleged Bike Thief: RCMP
    RCMP in Richmond, B.C., say officers responding to a report of a theft at an apartment building confronted the suspect who was observed with a bike.

    Frigid Dip Into B.C. Fishing Harbour No Escape For Alleged Bike Thief: RCMP

    Drugs May Have Caused The Deaths Of Two Men 48 Hours Apart In Quebec Home: Cops

    Drugs May Have Caused The Deaths Of Two Men 48 Hours Apart In Quebec Home: Cops
    SAGUENAY, Que. — Quebec police say drugs may have caused the deaths of two men who were found 48 hours apart in the same bed.

    Drugs May Have Caused The Deaths Of Two Men 48 Hours Apart In Quebec Home: Cops

    RCMP Plans New Investigative Team As Part Of Cybercrime Strategy

    RCMP Plans New Investigative Team As Part Of Cybercrime Strategy
    OTTAWA — The RCMP plans to set up a cybercrime team to investigate the most significant online threats to Canada's reputation and economy.

    RCMP Plans New Investigative Team As Part Of Cybercrime Strategy

    A Breakdown Of Promised Liberal Spending On Green Infrastructure, Technology

    OTTAWA — The Liberal government has promised more than $13 billion in new spending that could help reduce the amount of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. Some details:

    A Breakdown Of Promised Liberal Spending On Green Infrastructure, Technology

    Flights For Syrian Refugees To Canada To Start Dec. 10, Document Says

    Flights For Syrian Refugees To Canada To Start Dec. 10, Document Says
    OTTAWA — The first planes carrying Syrian refugees from camps overseas are expected to arrive at two of Canada's busiest airports late next week.

    Flights For Syrian Refugees To Canada To Start Dec. 10, Document Says

    Conservatives Will Be The Voice For Taxpayers In The Commons: Rona Ambrose

    Conservatives Will Be The Voice For Taxpayers In The Commons: Rona Ambrose
    Rona Ambrose is promising that the Conservative caucus will be the strongest official Opposition Canadians have ever seen, and will serve as the dominant voice for taxpayers in Ottawa.

    Conservatives Will Be The Voice For Taxpayers In The Commons: Rona Ambrose