Northern Saskatchewan students take on-the-job training at the Legislature
- Kaitlynn Nordal | May 14, 2019
The Provincial Capital Commission hosted high school students from Cumberland House, Deschambault Lake, Fond du Lac, Île-à-la Crosse, La Ronge, Southend, Stony Rapids and Wollaston Lake with five students representing each school in Regina earlier this month as part of the 10th annual Charles Knight Youth Mentorship Program.
The program is designed for high school students from northern Saskatchewan to come to Regina and learn about government, provincial history, post-secondary opportunities and careers in public service.
The high school students had to write a 250-word essay explaining why they were interested in the program but also how they showed leadership in not only their school but also their community.
After being chosen the students traveled to Regina on May 5-8 with chaperones and teachers.
During their stay in Regina, the high school students learned about the careers in public service and the province’s system of government while on tours of the Government House and Legislative Building. They also got to meet Ministers, MLAs, and community leaders during this time.
Students also toured the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the RCMP Training Academy to learn a bit more about them and what each place offers.
“After 10 years, the Charles Knight Youth Mentorship Program remains a great learning opportunity for young, eager students. Through touring our post-secondary institutions, participating in a mock parliament and witnessing the House in session, students receive the educational awareness they need to make decisions about their future in Saskatchewan,” said Ken Cheveldayoff Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission in a press release.
Keesha Sanderson, a grade 9 student from Churchill Community High School High School in La Ronge, was one of this year’s participants in these activities.
Sanderson explained her school wrote their essay on why they were interested in participating, what extra activities they do and how they are a leader in their own community.
For her section, Sanderson wrote about how she is a positive leader, participates in the Students Against Drinking and Driving (SADD) program at her school, and activities such as volunteering at the hospital and the after-school program with the younger students.
Since Sanderson has in interest in dentistry, she enjoyed her tour of Saskatchewan Polytechnic the most.
“I’m really into dentistry and they had a floor of that industry,” she said. “Some students don’t care about the government and going university, but I think it’s really important to know what you are doing in your life for once you get older…I’d like other kids to try it out because it was a really good experience learning about school and the government.”
Sanderson added that kids who are interested in attending this youth mentorship program is to go try it out and to get a chance to meet lots of new people and to also step out of your comfort zone.
“I’m a really shy person and I was kind of scared to talk to people, but you have to go for things you are not used to,” she said.