Afua was the student organizer for Black History Month at Glenforest. She organized a fashion show, lunchtime movies and a dance performance, as well as helped to prepare talks and dramatic representations of black individuals’ accomplishments and struggles. In addition, Afua has spent the last three summers volunteering her time to promote leadership, self-reliance and conflict resolution among children.

Over the past three years, Anabella has worked with special needs children, encouraging them to participate in special events and teaching and befriending them. She also worked as a peer helper in her school and organized a multicultural fair and an anti-racism workshop. Outside of school, she has worked on a weekly basis with a physically and mentally challenged ten-year-old and an autistic fourteen-year-old.

As an active member of Kipling’s Anti-Racism/Sexism Committee, Hemal has organized workshops and talks for the student body. He was vice-president of his school’s Peer Facilitators program where he worked as a peer mediator to assist students with problem solving and conflict management. Hemal is also vice-president of the Kshatriya Youth Association which brings young adults of South Asian descent together for religious, cultural and social activities.

Through the S.T.A.R.T. (Students Today Against Racism Tomorrow) program at her school, Shaheen organized several student awareness campaigns. As a Minister of Religion for Students’ Congregation, she was responsible for overseeing a number of individuals and organizations providing services to the community. Shaheen has also taught English to newly arrived Afghani teenagers.

Shaun was the co-ordinator of the Mac-in-Action community service program at his school. As chairperson of the Scarborough Youth Council, he coordinated the first ever Breaking Down the Barriers provincial youth conference to address racism, homophobia and sexism. He also worked with the City of Toronto to organize an event celebrating March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In addition, Shaun has written articles for the Toronto Star’s Life o Young Street section about the Toronto School Board Equity Policy and the national March 21 campaign.

After being selected to attend a Multicultural Leadership Program, Gadhi was inspired to found the Barangay Club at her school to address multicultural issues and was elected its first president. Through the club, she was able to help students from diverse backgrounds to integrate into the school community as well as enable them to discuss issues of racism and discrimination in a supportive environment.

Michael was a key organizer of his school’s One Community Initiative, a program that promotes respect and dignity for all persons regardless of race or ethnicity. He coordinated seminars, contests, speakers and assemblies around issues of racism and prejudice in society. Michael’s leadership within the Peace Garden Committee resulted in a beautiful construction symbolizing the quest for social justice and human rights. He has also organized his school’s Multicultural Day celebrations and Social Justice forums.

Hayley was president of PAX, a multicultural organization at her school that aimed to increase students’ exposure to people of different ethnic origins. She was instrumental in organizing the Equity Conference for students in grades nine to twelve. Her responsibilities included finding a keynote speaker, setting up workshops and developing an action plan to be implemented the following year.

As president and co-founder of the S.U.P.P.O.R.T. (Students Understanding, Protecting and Promising Others Rights Together) club at her school, Meera helped to organize Aurora’s first ever acceptance assembly dealing with issues such as racism, sexism and homophobia. She was also actively involved in organizing several International Food Fairs, exhibitions for Black History Month and multicultural fashion shows at the school.

At her school, Lesly has worked as a conflict mediator, served as a representative on Whitby’s Race Relations and Diversity Committee, as well as helped to organize activities and campaigns for Amnesty International. She has also participated in the artistic show, “In Tacit Understanding”, which aimed to promote social understanding.

Working with the Rotary Club, Noufissa helped organize the “Harmony ’97” campaign which encouraged students in her school to promote multiculturalism. She has been an active member of S.T.A.N.D. (Students Taking Action for Non-Discrimination) and has coordinated several campaigns about harmony and tolerance. Outside of school, Noufissa has helped to coordinate international multicultural festivals and frequently gives speeches on religious tolerance.

At her school, Zara was active in the P.O.W.E.R (Protecting Our World by Ending Racism) Source Council that promotes multiculturalism and harmony through cultural and other events including food festivals and fashion shows. Zara has attended The Forum for Young Canadians in Ottawa with over one hundred community youth leaders from across the nation and has also volunteered for the United Way Walk-a-Thon.

At Agincourt, Melody was president of the Colours Club which promotes multiculturalism. She also took a leading role in the Buddy Program which helps newcomers adjust to Canadian life. In addition, Melody was president of her school’s Amnesty International organization and has organized multicultural assemblies and Heritage Week celebrations through the Students for Students group.

David initiated Youth Alive, a group enabling Pearson students to learn more about the Christian faith. He played a vital role in organizing food and clothing drives in Toronto and raised money and supplies for refugees in Kosovo. In addition, David has served as an organizer of and master of ceremonies for the Spirit Month Assembly on multiculturalism and for Black History Month.

Ms. Suki Mahalingam
Attended Agincourt Collegiate Institute, now at University of Toronto

As vice-president of the Colours Club, Suki oversaw the running of multicultural booths at the Colours Caravan and the World Café. She was president of the Students for Students group which organized several cultural workshops as well as annual multicultural assemblies. Suki was also an active leader within the Amnesty International organization at Agincourt.

Anita has been an active member of the student group C.A.R.E.S (Committee on Anti-Racism, Equity and Safety) which promoted racial and social harmony. She provided leadership and assisted in the organization of assemblies and fund-raising events.

As team captain, Jehan assembled a team of five students and produced a video that was sent to Much Music to support the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The video spoke out against prejudice and inequality in our communities.

Angela has hosted multicultural fashion and talent shows to showcase the ethnic diversity in her community. She has worked to increase awareness of the Filipino culture through Multicultural Weeks at school and Heritage Workshops in her community.

At her school, Lydia assisted with the organization of the annual International Bazaar and volunteered to help newcomers to Canada overcome language barriers. She took a leading role in the ESL Peer Tutors Association and created a multicultural display during her co-op placement at McBride Public School.

Since eighth grade, Herman has been actively involved with Dancers for Harmony, a community group spreading the ideals of anti-racism through artistic expression. He is a vital member of Kids Who Care which is a student led outreach organization active in race relations and global citizenship. He was also the contact at Bayview for the Have a Heart Campaign which raised funds for adopted children in Guatemala.