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Clockwise from top left: Naomi Sawchuk, Marc Kielburger, Adrian Giberson, Kristin Dobson and Liz Morrison at the We Can Change The World Conference on April 15. (SIMON FULLER)

Vincent Massey students are striving to help change the world.

The Dowker Avenue-based school became a microcosm of social activism and youth empowerment on April 15 as it hosted a conference — in partnership with UNESCO — entitled We Can Change The World.

The all-day think-tank featured 44 workshops. These included Root Causes of Poverty presented by Engineers Without Borders, Green Architecture: A New Focus in Design by Smith Carter Architects and Immigrating to Canada by Hospitality House.

The keynote speaker at the all-day think-tank was Marc Kielburger — co-founder of Free the Children — a leading international development organization that empowers North American youth to become socially aware and active.

Kielburger, a graduate of Harvard and Oxford universities, said he was impressed by the engagement and involvement of the Vincent Massey population at the event.

"I’m really inspired by, in terms of dedication, these kids here today. It’s remarkable to see the spirit of the community in Winnipeg, who are committed to creating tangible change," Kielburger said. "I’ve seen a high level of engagement and involvement by the students."

Kielburger said students fall into the demographic that will carry the future torch of social change and equality.

"Kids now have the highest degree of exposure and understanding of world issues than any other generation — bar none," he said.

"That could include anything from international events, such as the earthquake in Japan or poverty in Africa, or locally, as they walk around downtown Winnipeg and see significant social challenges."

Student Ian Smith spoke publicly at the event about what he considers challenges for today’s youth about interpreting an ever-expanding media.

"I spoke about the critical consumption of media, which is linked to my world studies class and focuses on how the majority of people have a tendency to absorb what the media says without necessarily questioning it," Smith said, adding that the students seemed "pretty much engaged" at the event.

According to organizers, the genesis for the conference began with the students, as teachers began noting that many Vincent Massey students were engaged in the community-based organizations.

"Last year, we noticed we had kids working in soup kitchens or homes for senior citizens," said history teacher Kathy Slovinsky.

"The conference has been great for kids who might want to be more active in their community, but maybe didn’t know to become more involved. And I’ve noticed they’re not talking about themselves today, they’re talking about Marc [Kielburger].

"The kids have really stepped up to the plate. I believe they can change the world," added the Charleswood resident.

The April 15 event ended on a musical note with a performance by Winnipeg duo Keith and Renee.  

For more information, visit www.freethechildren.com.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com