WAVERLEY: Adriana Caswell jumped at the opportunity to learn outside the classroom.
The Lockview High School student was one of five from across Nova Scotia—and the only one in HRM—to be among the 103 youth that took part in a week long educational trip Oct. 2-8 with Encounters with Canada in Ottawa, Ont.
Caswell, a Waverley resident and an HRM volunteer recipient for District 1 in 2015, said the week in Ottawa was “amazing” and filled with interesting workshops and unforgettable people.
“It meant a lot being able to learn more about Canada and meeting people with the same educational values,” she said.
During the week, the youth went to Parliament Hill and saw Questions Period with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, although they didn’t get a chance to talk with him.
“We were part of an amazing citizenship ceremony,” said Caswell. “We went to the Byward Market. Met the Belgium ambassador. We discussed international relations in our groups.”
She said they also had a small ceremony to honour our fallen soldiers; toured around Ottawa; went mini putting; did a ghost walk; and visited Aga Khan Canada, just to name a few things.
Caswell learned about the program after her cousin participated in 2015 and told her of how much fun it was.
“I decided to give it a try,” said Caswell.
The youth learned about international relations, Canada’s government, other provinces across the country and even Nova Scotia.
“I also learned about job opportunities in international relations,” she said.
What was the highlight of the trip for Caswell?
“Although we did so many amazing activities and went to many interesting places, the highlight would have to be meeting youth from all across Canada and making friendships that will last a lifetime,” she said.
Why should other youth take up opportunities like Encounters with Canada if they’re provided with them? There’s a few reasons, said Caswell.
“Other youth should take part in a program like this if they get the chance because it’s important to get a chance to learn outside the classroom, meet new people, and experience the rest of Canada,” she said.
Any youth wishing to find out more about upcoming week-long trips with Encounters with Canada can checkout their website at www.ewc-rdc.ca.
phealey@enfieldweeklypress.com
