Three Langley teens took part in a national citizenship program that dates back to 1951.
Langley's four Rotary Clubs sent the trio (Amint Kim, Emma Cazacu, and Danica Bateman) to Ottawa for the annual Adventures in Citizenship program May 26 to 29.
Amint Kim said her love of this country only grew with her participation in Adventures in Citizenship (AIC).
"Participating in this program has enhanced my opinion about Canada so much. I was able to see the diverse perspectives that make up our country and what makes Canada Canada. The program has allowed me to appreciate all the work and history past and current Canadians have made, especially the Indigenous Peoples," said the 18-year-old Walnut Grove Secondary student.
Kim had seen a brief description of the program and knew she wanted to be part of it.
"The gratitude and pride I have as a citizen of Canada aligned with the content the Rotary club had prepared for AIC. The many other opportunities of growth in areas like leadership and French also sparked a want to participate in this program," she said.
Kim is grateful for all the work the Rotary Club of Langley Central as well as the club in Ottawa put in to make this experience special for the youth.
"The best part of the program was meeting so many different people from such a diverse range of backgrounds. I met so many inspiring youth through this program; I am excited to see what this next generation possesses for the future of our country. Not only were the participants so influential, but the Rotary members and guest speakers truly inspired me to dream and advocate.
The trip included visiting the House of Commons and listening to the pages, the Clerk, and the Speaker who encouraged and educated her in terms of advocating and living as a citizen of Canada.
Grade 12 student Emmanuella Cazacu welcomed the chance to explore more of the country as well as meet students from across Canada who are also interested in history and citizenship.
"Participating in adventures in citizenship has broadened my perspective on our country as a whole," she said. "Citizenship isn't a simple process or a title that should be taken for granted."
The Langley Christian High School student said a highlight visiting many places that gave her insight into her country.
"There were so many amazing experiences and memories I have gained from this trip. From visiting Le Domaine de L'Ange Gardien in Quebec, being able to sit in MPs chairs in Parliament, being a part of a real citizenship ceremony and exploring museums, one thing stands out to me," Cazacu said. "The common experience was getting to meet new people. Some that live right here in Langley, and others that live across the country in PEI, we were all able to form connections and get to know one another in both our differences and similarities."
She enjoyed meeting new people, including the other students from Langley.
"We were all able to form connections and get to know one another in both our differences and similarities. In all that we discovered we did it together, and there were fun opportunities that helped us form these friendships."
It wasn't all serious. The young people from across Canada were able to share more about themselves in the AIC talent show. Cazacu said there was also pin trading, and lots of time to talk while travelling by bus to the various venues.
"As we visited different places in on our trip, there was an extensive representation of culture and history of people," she said. "From experiencing a traditional Québécois dinner on the second night, to viewing art galleries and information that was collected in museums. The group that was selected to participate as a whole also displayed the diversity of life and culture that makes up Canada. Throughout history, we see Canada represented by Canadians throughout wars and conflicts. Our citizenship, as Canadians, displays perseverance and courage."
The third student could not be reached.
In 1951, the Rotary Club of Ottawa established its annual program. Each year more than 150 senior high school students from across Canada spend four days in Ottawa experiencing tours, lectures, discussions, and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship.
The Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program is for students aged 16 to 18 years who are leaders in their community and reflect the broad spectrum of religious and cultural communities that comprise Canadian society.
The program is administered by Rotarians with the Rotary Club of Ottawa who work hard to create an excellent program at the lowest possible cost. This is not a fundraiser for the club. The sponsoring Rotary Club is asked to cover the registration fee of $750 along with the travel costs to and from Ottawa. The AIC program covers all transportation costs within Ottawa to and from the airport, train station and all program events.
