February 9, 2010

Includes Mawi Asgedom discussing his journey from civil war to Harvard graduate

Our Voices: Engaging All Learners is a one-day conference, hosted in Burlington, for Halton elementary and secondary teachers that will focus on the subject of inclusion.  The conference will include keynote speakers, workshop sessions and displays. Halton elementary and secondary teachers will share their thoughts on how they empower their students.

The first speaker to address the conference will be Mawi Asgedom. His keynote address is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 10:15 a.m. at New Street Education Centre, located at 3250 New St. in Burlington.

Author of four books including Of Beetles and Angels, Asgedom will tell the remarkable story of his journey from civil war in east Africa to a scholarship at Harvard University. Asgedom – a nationally-recognized educator who has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show – is the founder of Mental Karate, an organization that helps youth take positive action.

The second speaker to address the conference will be well-known Canadian musician Susan Aglukark. Her speech is scheduled to start at 2:15 p.m. and conclude at 3:15 p.m. the one-day workshop will close with a performance by Aglukark.

Aglukark is an Inuk singer/songwriter and motivational speaker. Her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada, inspire her song writing. Aglukark’s singing is blended with messages of hope, as she addresses the many issues facing aboriginal people in this country.

During the day-long conference, Halton teachers will learn strategies to meet the varying needs and interests of their students as well as to help build communities of learning in their classrooms where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

In addition, educators will develop an awareness of the diverse learning styles of their students.  The conference is being held at the New Street Education Centre, located at 3250 New St. in Burlington.

For additional information, contact:
Marnie Denton, Manager, Communication Services
Halton District School Board 
(905) 335-3663, (905) 842-3014, (905) 878-8451