Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 19/99) - Sir John Franklin students are hoping their voices will contribute to an international movement to promote the rights of youth.

Unicef, in conjunction with Elections Canada, have set up polling booths in participating schools across Canada. They are asking youth to consider 10 rights that should apply to children the world over, and to vote for the one they feel is the most important.

"Our student council decided we wanted the students here to have an opportunity to vote in this," said student Lindsey Bolivar.

"We felt that because it was about youth rights, our voices should be heard."

The 10 choices range from protecting a youth's right to basic food and shelter to having the right to rest and play and to be protected from harmful acts.

"I narrowed the list down to five choices then thought about it over the weekend," said Bolivar.

"I decided to vote for protection from harm because if you're hurt, you can't do anything else."

Elections Canada set up a polling station and Jennifer Balkwill and James Hawkins acted as polling clerks. It was conducted in the spirit of a regular election, which student Stephen Offredi appreciated.

"In a few years, we're going to have some major decisions to make when we have to vote for our MLAs and other elected officials," said Offredi.

"And besides, it gives me a chance to voice my opinion on something I feel is important."

Offredi voted that all youth should have the right to access education. Student Dave Steele put his vote in on the third choice, which was the right to food and shelter.

"I voted because I feel it is my duty to take advantage of my democratic rights as a youth in Canada," said Steele.

Sir John social studies teacher Bruce Madore said the initiative got the students thinking about the plight of youth outside of Canada.

"I think they are hopeful that something substantial comes out of it but at the same time, they are skeptical," said Madore.

"They really want to know what the government is going to do about the vast problems facing youth internationally."

The ballots were sent to Elections Canada in Ottawa. Unicef Canada is announcing the results at a major press conference today (Friday) in Ottawa.