A new course developed by Prince Rupert teacher Anna Ashley is aiming to inspire young people to become leaders and volunteers in the community.
Service Learning and Leadership will combine the study of volunteerism, service and governance through practical experience served in Prince Rupert. Grade 11 and 12 students will be able to take the course, taking part in classroom discussions and community projects aiming to instil a sense of personal, social and political awareness.
"Through my volunteering as a coach at the school and becoming involved on city council, I've noticed volunteering has been on the decline. I think a reason could be that people become so busy when they're younger that often they might miss the opportunity of seeing the rewards volunteering can bring," Ashley said, adding she believes the course will help develop skills and allow students to see a range of volunteering activities and the benefits they provide.
"There's lots of things that go into volunteering that people don't think about, like time and stress management for example," she added.
Aproximately half of the course will take place within the timetable and half volunteering within the community. Projects will involve planning, fundraising, presenting, budgeting and running events.
Furthermore, students will be certified in World Host and will take part in other workshops related to learning outcomes during the course.
Ashley hopes the class will establish civic awareness and pride in students, inspiring them to become involved in their community.
"I'm hoping students gain that sense of wanting to give back ... it makes communities a better place to live," she said.