Three young leaders from Vancouver Island have been selected among 18 youth across the province to join the inaugural StrongerBC Young Leaders Council.
Hamza Dari, 15, Eya Ibrahim, 17, and Dacian Filipescu, 17 — all from Victoria — were appointed to the council and will help provide direct and ongoing feedback to the government on priorities and policies that matter to youth.
According to a release from the government, Dari has been recognized for his leadership in his school through the Service Excellence and Principal’s Shield awards. The government says that his petition to re-examine the feasibility of restoring passenger service on the E&N Railway was introduced to the legislature.
Ibrahim is passionate about urgent climate action, increasing the representation of Indigenous, Black and people of colour, and socioeconomic equality. She has organized school-wide fundraising initiatives, advocates for more diversity in the high school curriculum and runs the environment club.
As for Filipescu, he is a passionate advocate for climate change, housing as a basic human right and accessibility and universal access for people with disabilities to live as independently as others.
“It’s incredible to see so many young people wanting to help build a fairer and stronger B.C., including Hamza, from right here in Victoria-Beacon Hill,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “Congratulations and thank you to Hamza, Eya and Dacian, for stepping up to be a voice for young people on Vancouver Island.”
The council will be chaired by Brittny Anderson, the premier’s special adviser on youth. The government says that they will discuss issues that matter most to young people in areas such as education, employment, income, mental health and the environment.
Issues affecting Vancouver Island specifically will also be brought forward to the council table.
“I’m looking forward to working with these remarkable young people to hear first-hand what is needed on the Island to help improve their lives and opportunities,” said Anderson. “These young leaders represent some of the most community-minded young people in our province. Their input will make a difference for their peers and communities, now and for generations to come.”
Council members will serve one-year terms with the option to remain on the council for up to three terms. The first meeting is planned for spring 2022 and will be held quarterly.
The three Island young leaders were chosen from over 250 applications, adds the government.
CHEK News
