Secondary students who are part of their student council see the effects of their commitment on their school, but also in their lives, even if it is sometimes difficult to mobilize their colleagues.
“We finally got a second cashier in the cafeteria! […] Before, we waited in line for 20 minutes”, says Alaa Moustakim, a student of 3e secondary school at Jean-Grou school in Montreal.
She is one of the high school students who represent their peers in a student committee, a student council or a school parliament.
Some were elected after an election with debates, ballot papers and ballot boxes.
Many of these students are getting things done, sounding out their colleagues and proposing changes. They will also organize fun activities, such as the Secondaire en spectacle competition, a chocolate party or a spring ball, for example.
Stay at home
However, it is sometimes difficult these days to motivate young people to participate in optional activities, note several stakeholders.
At the school of Pointe-aux-Trembles, in Montreal, the students had voted for the organization of a movie night, with popcorn and red carpet. In the end, fewer people than expected indicated their intention to participate.
“We try to understand why”, explains Anaïs Léveillé, a student of 3e secondary. “People have tasted the ease of staying at home. There are many who work in the evening. You have to work harder and harder to get the students to participate,” she notes.
This is also what Julie St-Arnaud, spokesperson for Élections Québec, means, who offers to support schools that want it through the Vox Populi program.
According to the Education Act, every school that has a 2e secondary cycle must see to the formation of a committee representing the students. But on the ground, the success of this school democracy depends on the goodwill of the staff.
Benefits
For some young people, the beneficial effect of their involvement is obvious.
“I have become much less shy,” admits Alaa Moustakim.
“It opens doors for us […] It’s crazy, the recognition of teachers towards you, ”says Anaïs Léveillé, who notes that her CV is now well stocked.
Some even see it as a future profession.
“I would like to become a politician,” says Mariama Barry, from the Antoine-de-Saint-Exupéry school.
Still, getting involved also means taking the time.
“I was offered to participate. I said to myself: why not one more activity?” quips Nida Arahman Frej, who says she is already very, even too involved at the Henri-Bourassa school.