Michel Chikwanine captivated a crowd of high school students at the recent Student Equity Summit with stories about his struggles growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo and how he persevered to be able to enjoy life. After divulging the at-times harrowing details, the accomplished motivational speaker of Free The Children made sure to leave the youth in attendance with an important message: get involved to make the world a better place.

“Maybe it’s getting involved with the local food bank; it’s as simple as that,” he says.

The Halton District School Board hosted the second annual Student Equity Summit on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at the Halton Regional Auditorium (1151 Bronte Road).  The theme was, Creating Connections: Every Voice Counts.
Approximately 160 students from 16 high schools attended the Student Equity Summit.

The Board partnered with Halton Region Chair Gary Carr and Senator Vivienne Poy to bring together high school students, elected officials, community leaders and a powerful group of speakers. This networking symposium allowed students – future leaders – to listen and connect with successful young leaders in their community. This empowers students to realize their potential and their role in the larger society, as they become community leaders within Canada and beyond our borders.

Forced to leave his home as a refugee at the age of 11, Chikwanine has traveled to many African countries, witnessing first-hand the problems facing the developing world but also the beauty of the communities and people who live there.

“My father was sitting on his bed and tears were pouring down his face,” Chikwanine recalls when he was a child. “He says, ‘Michel, never forgot the stories I told you as a kid, and always remember that great men and great women are not defined by their success but rather by their heart and what they do for other people.’”

The summit’s opening speaker was Chris D’Souza, author and longtime educator. Along with Chikwanine, other speakers included Q107 Radio Host Ryan Parker, Alexiis Stephen of the Halton Multicultural Council and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn.

In addition, Tribal Vision, a native dance group performing in schools across the GTA, performed at the summit. Through energetic dance and singing workshops, they brought the message about teaching students to learn to celebrate their differences.

Those who attended were clearly touched by what they heard.

“It's great to see this type of event can be such a wake-up call about the fact we take so many simple things for granted,” says Eliana Ramos, ESL/Guidance teacher from Oakville's T.A. Blakelock High School, adding one of her students said her mom was in tears when she told her about Chikwanine's story.

Superintendent Yaw Obeng was also very impressed with the day’s summit.

“It was very successful day and a great way to recognize Education Week in Halton,” he says. “Students had the opportunity to engage with peers from across the board, teachers, politicians, and community members. We hope each student learned to find their own story in order to give voice to their needs and aspirations.”

He adds those who attended the summit told him it was  “powerful”.

The Board will meet this fall to begin organizing next year’s summit.