Slap some sequins on that old swimsuit of yours and get your groove on at the After Hours Disco Swim!
Yes, the rumours are true: Youth Week is happening in Colwood. From May 1 to 7, Youth Week events across the province will be held, all organized by youth, for youth. These events include everything from ice cream bars to disco swims to advocacy campaigns, all geared towards young people in our communities.
Youth Week has been going on for more than 20 years in B.C. And it’s always had a simple goal: to lift up youth, to recognize our contributions, and to foster a connection between us and our communities. All in all, it’s a truly excellent program, and one which seems perfect for me and my friends to take full advantage of.
There’s only one problem: before being asked to write about it, I had never heard of Youth Week, and neither had many of my friends.
Unfortunately, Youth Week is only being really celebrated in a select few municipalities on the Island, such as Courtenay and Comox. There are some great Youth Week celebrations in Colwood, but nothing in Langford, Metchosin, View Royal, or the Highlands.
I am disappointed by how little the city is doing to celebrate their youth. There has been a well-documented rise in both mental health problems and violence among youth, and this program could go a long way to remedy these issues. Colwood has, however, been admirable in this respect. The city is working very hard to lift up and engage young people, and it shows.
I will be at as many events as I can because they’re a great way to spend some time with other young people in my community. Plus, they’re just a really enjoyable way to hang out with my friends.
As young people, we are highly influential in our communities and beyond. We are future voters and policy-makers and CEOs. Our voices matter, and that is why it is important we have opportunities like Youth Week. Inspiring youth today will build a better tomorrow.
The bottom line is, young people need more opportunities like Youth Week to grow and thrive. I strongly encourage every young person reading this to go to any Youth Week celebrations that they can. You may be inspired, you may be uplifted, but you will certainly have a good time.
To get more information on Colwood’s great Youth Week events, visit https://www.colwood.ca/discover-colwood/faces-places/bc-youth-week-may-1-7
Gabriel Mackintosh is a high-school student in the West Shore.