Grade 12 Student Named to StrongerBC Young Leaders Council

January 28, 2022

Academics

GNS

Congratulations to Eya Ibrahim ’22, who is one of 18 British Columbia youth to be part of the first StrongerBC Young Leaders Council.

The council includes high school and post-secondary students as well as workers who are passionate about the environment, the economy, education and affordability.

“When I heard about this I was super excited because I find it important to share the voices of people that are often misrepresented,” said Eya. “I think it’s so important for the government to take into account these voices when they are making decisions, because oftentimes they are directly impacting us either now or in a few years, so I was thrilled when I heard about it.”

Council members are appointed for a one-year term, with the option to remain on the council for as long as three terms. The council will be chaired by Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston and the premier’s special adviser on youth. The council will focus on identifying and providing advice to the government on issues that matter most to youth.

“I’ve read the bios of the other youth, and every one has distinct issues that they want to bring to light and raise awareness about, so it’s going to be exciting to engage in that productive dialogue and be exposed to different issues from youth all around BC,” Eya said.

There are three main issues that Eya will be focusing on bringing up within the council: climate action, furthering BIPOC representation and socioeconomic inequality.

When Eya heard about the opportunity to apply for the council, she said she knew it was exactly what she wanted. During the application process, she was able to use her IB Extended Essay as an example of a formal piece of writing, and her MYP Personal Project experience where she fundraised for CRW as well as her work as Environment and Adventure Prefect.

“I’m so excited for this, I’ve been looking for something like this for a while,” Eya said. “There are not many opportunities to meet with youth from different places, and that was important to me—getting to know different people and exposing me to issues that maybe I hadn’t heard of. I’m part of the Victoria Youth Council, but this is exciting because it includes youth from across the province. I’m just thrilled.”

The council’s first meeting will take place in the spring, with additional meetings occurring up to four times a year.