Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, former Prime Minister Joe Clark and former national leader of the NDP Ed Broadbent are among the thousands of high school students since 1951 who have participated in the annual "Adventure in Citizenship" Program, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ottawa. Every year, Rotary clubs across Canada sponsor 150 senior high school students to spend four days in Ottawa experiencing tours, lectures, discussions and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship. Rotary Club of Ladner sponsored Alex Price, a recent graduate of Delta Secondary School, to participate in the Program from May 14 to 17, 2023. Alex presented to Ladner Rotary members on his participation in the Program, which he described as the "best experience of my life."
This annual event provides a unique opportunity for a select group of young Canadians to come together and gain a better understanding of our country. Through meetings with political leaders, senior officials, and others, they learn a great deal about the workings of our democratic institutions. Through meeting one another and having discussions among themselves, they learn to appreciate the diversity of Canada and privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.
The added value for the participating students is the opportunity to meet their peers from across Canada and discover that Canadians hold much more in common than the matters that divide us.
The added value for the participating students is the opportunity to meet their peers from across Canada and discover that Canadians hold much more in common than the matters that divide us.
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| Alex Price speaks about his Rotary Adventure in Citizenship experience |
The program evolves from year to year in response to the changing political agenda of the country. Normally, the program will include a presentation from the Speaker of the House of Commons and a visit in the Chamber, meetings with aboriginal and local leaders and motivational speakers. Other typical activities include a special sitting of a Citizenship Court, a visit to the Canadian War Museum and local universities, discussions with topical experts, a talent show and a French-Canadian meal. Participants are encouraged in fellowship among themselves and an appreciation of the cultural diversity in Canada.
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President Brian Coe and Arthur Birk thank Alex with a donation to the Rotary global campaign to rid the world of polio |