Phoenix Youth Programs

On Friday, May 1, 2009 approximately 500 students from three HRM junior high schools will convene at Oxford School to celebrate healthy relationships and diversity. The Youth Peace Summit has been embraced community-wide.  A group of youth-focused organizations (outlined below) have come together to design a one-day summit to promote peace and positive mental health by celebrating differences and diversity, all with an eye to building stronger, more peaceful school communities. 

The idea was borne from a group of junior high students and teachers at Oxford School who participated in the Safe School Ambassador Program this past year.  Excited by the impact of this program, they were keen to share their learnings with other junior high students from Oxford, as well as neighbouring junior high schools, Cornwallis, St. Pat’s Alexandra and Highland Park. 

“The Youth Peace Summit is a fine example of the incredible youth leaders within our community.  A group of students from Oxford School have helped to plan the big event – coordinating, implementing and even working with community partners in the design and delivery of workshops that will be held throughout the day.” says Fiona McAdam, Clinical Support Worker with Phoenix Youth Programs. 

Participants will learn about the importance of peace in their daily lives and in the world at large through the exploration of a variety of related topics.  All of the topics presented will foster a positive school climate, essential in keeping students engaged with their schools.  This is incredibly important as research shows the more students are connected, feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy healthy relationships, the more likely they will be to realize their potential. 

The day will begin with a key note presentation by one of the infamous “Boys in Pink”, the young men who started a pink t-shirt campaign in rural Nova Scotia to take a stance against bullying in their own school, followed by a series of five workshops, presentations, and entertainment that will feature dance and music as a way of celebrating diversity.  A number of youth-focused agencies will setup booths so youth can visit with them and learn more about the many resources available throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality. 

Sincere thanks to the numerous organizations that have made financial contributions to assist with the costs of the Youth Peace Summit, including:

1.                   RBC Foundation
2.                   Our Healthy School Department of the Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB)
3.                   Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU) Sheonoroil Foundation
4.                   Department of Justice, Province of Nova Scotia 

The following community partners have come together in the coordination and/or support of the summit:
1.                   Peaceful Schools International (PSI)
2.                   Safe School Ambassadors
3.                   Saint Mary’s University students, under the direction of the University’s Conflict Resolution Coordinator
4.                   Phoenix Youth Programs
5.                   Oxford School Administration and Staff
6.                   Youth Health Centre Coordinator (Public Health) for the junior high feeders schools to Citadel High
7.                   Halifax Regional School Board
8.                   Peace Jam
9.                   Halifax Regional Police, Community Liaison Officer
10.               YWCA
11.               Teens Now Talk Magazine
12.               Taking it Global
13.               Laing House
14.               Avalon Sexual Assault Centre
15.               Youth Project
16.               Halifax Sexual Health Centre

CONTACT: Ms. Lori Barker
Director of Development
Phoenix Youth Programs
(902) 405-3058 (w)
(902) 209-0318 (c)