Canada’s public education system is not keeping pace with rapid economic, social, and technological transformation. We need the inventive, fresh, and bold voices of young people to disrupt outdated systems and rethink the role of education in our society.
Young people are the key to reimagining education
Young people are wired for innovation
According to research out of the University of Waterloo’s Youth and Innovation Project, young people’s brains are natural challengers of the status quo, being more risk-tolerant than adult brains.
For too long, young people have been excluded from the conversation! At the current pace of change in our society, it is not enough to continue tinkering around the edges doing what has always been done. We need young minds to break through the barriers that prevent real change.
Why young people need a voice at the table
Public education lays the foundation for realizing all our social, economic, and cultural goals. It’s the place where we should be preparing all young people – and not just some – to thrive in a complex global world. It can be one of our most important catalysts for societal change, but it is not currently living up to its potential. Public education in Canada is good, but it’s not great.
We need more than tokenism! Instead, we need true intersectoral and intergenerational conversations with young people at the forefront of innovation.
Meet the network
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Keith Baybayon
Youth Network Member
Keith Baybayon
Youth Network Member
Keith Baybayon is a McGill University student pursuing a joint honours in political science and religious studies. He was the 2021-2022 President of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, where he represented and advocated on behalf of Ontario’s 2.2 million students in the publicly funded education system. He focused his work on 2SLGBTQ+ education, menstrual equity, and student governance. He is passionate about education policy and student rights, always prioritizing equity and accessibility.
Keith is also a Strategic Advisory Council member at the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. Notably, as the youngest member of the IPC Strategic Advisory Council, specializing in Children and Youth in a Digital World, Keith showcases his dedication to enhancing digital literacy and advocating for youth digital rights. His leadership as Chair of the IPC Youth Advisory Council echoes his commitment, guiding young individuals across Ontario in advocating for improved privacy education and digital literacy among youth.
He is excited to be joining the youth network to enhance education for all.
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Govind Deol
Youth Network Coordinator
Govind Deol
Youth Network Coordinator
Govind is a 2020 McCall MacBain Loran Scholar who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program at the University of British Columbia; he is majoring in microbiology. Govind has a strong passion for working with children and community development. Throughout high-school, Govind volunteered with multiple community organizations. Recently, Govind was a member of the Surrey Centre Constituency Youth Council, he is a Rotarian, and he volunteers with SAF International. Govind is currently leading an initiative to expand SAF International into the Okanagan region through UBC and other community organizations. In 2021, Govind was awarded Surrey’s Top 25 Under 25 Award for his community involvement.Govind is a believer in the fact that all children should have the chance to explore their passions and pursue their dreams. Through his work with People for Education, he wants to help fight barriers that students face, such as mental health, racism alongside discrimination, and financial barriers, to assist in making our world an equitable place for all. -
Vivek Gill
Youth Network Member
Vivek Gill
Youth Network Member
Vivek is a medical student at the University of British Columbia and an aspiring clinician-scientist with an interest in child & maternal health. Vivek serves on the CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (CIHR-IHDCYH)’s Youth Advisory Council, enabling him to engage with diverse partners & decision-makers across Canada. He is passionate about meaningfully impacting the social determinants of health that affect the lives of Canadians, including by advocating for stronger public education. -
Victoria Barclay
Youth Network Member
Victoria Barclay
Youth Network Member
Victoria Barclay (she/her) is a Project Coordinator at Women Transforming Cities, leading the development of an equity assessment tool for City Councillors to assess the impact of their decisions on equity-deserving groups. She has an interest in research, policymaking, and advocacy and is engaged in housing, GBV, and education issues. She holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of British Columbia and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. -
Urooba Ahmed
Youth Network Member
Urooba Ahmed
Youth Network Member
Urooba dedicates her time to working alongside marginalized youth to amplify their voices and empowering them with the necessary tools to succeed. Studying at the University of Manitoba, Urooba is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies with focuses surrounding Policy & Law, Sustainable Development, and Cultural Anthropology. Urooba is a strong believer in good food with good company, the strength of vulnerability, and most importantly: seeking out & reciprocating acts of love in the everyday. -
Stacie Smith
Youth Network Member
Stacie Smith
Youth Network Member
Stacie completed an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University in 2020 and a professional degree in Education from the University of New Brunswick in 2022. She will start her master’s in education at Mount Saint Vincent University this Fall. Recently, she was a Co-Chair of the Youth Advisory Council of the Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services Review conducted by the NB Child and Youth Advocate’s office. She is also a Groundbreaker with Frayme and Co-Executive Director of the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health. -
Sneha Patel
Youth Network Member
Sneha Patel
Youth Network Member
Sneha Patel is a dedicated educator currently teaching Language and History to Grade 7 students. Sneha’s passion lies in making education accessible and relevant to the generation we are raising today. With the work of People for Education along with Sneha’s insights on how the classroom runs and needs support, Sneha is an advocate for the students who often get left behind with the educational system. -
Shauna Kelly
Youth Network Member
Shauna Kelly
Youth Network Member
Shauna Kelly (she/her) lives in Chuwapchîpchîyan Kudebi (Canmore) and works for The Howl Experience. She is passionate about hands-on, action oriented, and place-based learning models that support youth to discover their passions and that provide them agency. Shauna has been a strong advocate for environmental and climate education in Alberta and is excited to bring her experience to the Youth Network. -
Roselyn Gishen
Youth Network Member
Roselyn Gishen
Youth Network Member
Roselyn Gishen is a neurodivergent educator who tutors students with learning and developmental disabilities. Roselyn is also a board member of the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children and an MEd student at Brock University researching writing education for students with learning challenges. Roselyn is passionate about raising awareness for mental health and disability issues, and building an education system that is equitable, inclusive, and accepting of all students. -
Petra Owusu
Youth Network Member
Petra Owusu
Youth Network Member
Petra Owusu is a dedicated 4th-year Ph.D. Candidate in School and Applied Child Psychology at Western University. With a profound commitment to empowering youth and a strong passion for education, Petra aspires to become a School and Clinical Child Psychologist specializing in community and outpatient settings. Her current research is centred on empowering Black youth in their utilization of mental health services. -
Laura Pasquariello
Youth Network Member
Laura Pasquariello
Youth Network Member
Laura Pasquariello (she/her/Elle) is a highly skilled professional with a Master’s in Public Administration and an Honours Bachelor’s in History and Equity Studies. Her expertise includes policy analysis, program evaluation, and research, all guided by an anti-racist perspective. She has a background as an education policy analyst, instructor, advisor, and director, emphasizing inclusive learning and social justice. Laura is currently a Training Fellow at Netcentric Campaigns. She enjoys nature walks, family time, and exploring new restaurants. -
Gurjyot Kohar
Youth Network Member
Gurjyot Kohar
Youth Network Member
Gurjyot is a high school senior and a devoted artist. He is a caring younger brother who always tries to be there for his family. Gurjyot is eager to make a difference in the public education system, striving to enhance learning experiences for all students. -
Emily Ross
Youth Network Member
Emily Ross
Youth Network Member
Emily Ross (she/her) is a settler of mixed European descent born and raised on the territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council(Whitehorse, Yukon). She is a graduate student in International Education with an undergraduate background in Political Science and Environmental Studies whosework has spanned arts-based education, community outreach and advocacy, and climate justice. Emily is passionate about the power of education to address complex social issues and construct just, sustainable, and imaginative futures. -
De’Ann Edwards
Youth Network Member
De’Ann Edwards
Youth Network Member
De’Ann Edwards is a Master’s Degree Candidate at Arizona State University in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences pursuing a graduate degree in Social Justice and Human Rights. She has been nominated as a potential applicant for Arizona State University’s Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the National Leadership Honor Society. In 2021, De’Ann graduated from Ontario Tech University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, specializing in Social Justice, Globalization, and Development. De’Ann has also recently earned certification in Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, and Reconciliation at the Hekima University College in Nairobi, Kenya.De’Ann is an active member of the Black Diplomats Academy and is pursuing an impact-oriented career at the intersections of policy development and advocacy. De’Ann is a passionate dual citizen of Canada and the United States of America, which has made her diverse in both nations’ politics, helping her understand the unique areas of advocacy in each country. She holds experience in engaging with community stakeholders, governing systems, and provincial and federal parliament members. De’Ann works for Parents of Black Children, a charity and advocacy organization focused on ensuring equitable outcomes for Black children and families in education and adjacent systems.Outside of work, De’Ann enjoys reading, travelling, attending theatre performances, going to the gym and participating in outdoor activities. -
Azka Siddiqui
Youth Network Member
Azka Siddiqui
Youth Network Member
Azka Siddiqui is a high school student from Mississauga, Ontario, dedicated to using technology, policy, and advocacy to serve her community. She has participated in various councils such as the Student’s Commission of Canada youth advisory committee, Omar Alghabra’s Mississauga Centre Youth Council, and her community centre’s Teen Advisory Group (TAG). On top of this, she is an active member of her school and community. She particularly enjoys being on her school’s Robotics Club as well as being Vice President of her school’s newspaper which strives to amplify youth’s points of view on both fun and challenging topics by sharing their thoughts and creative talents. -
Ashiya Dewan
Youth Network Member
Ashiya Dewan
Youth Network Member
Ashiya is a grade 12 student in the IB programme in Milton, Ontario. She has been advocating for student voices in education at the board-level throughout her high school career, on a variety of forefronts – from resources to mental health support to fostering equity. She believes education is the most powerful tool society possesses to uplift youth voices, support their growth and empower young changemakers of today and tomorrow – and is thrilled to be a part of PFE’s Pan-Canadian Youth Network to make a real difference for students! -
Annilea Purser
Youth Network Member
Annilea Purser
Youth Network Member
Annilea (she/her) is a white settler MA student at the University of Victoria. Presently, she is undertaking a SSHRC-funded research project looking at First Nations’ right to self-determined education under recent policy developments. She completed a BA at Brock University and her thesis was entitled “Turning the ‘Dark Page’? Canada’s Policy Conceptualization of First Nations Self-Determined Education.” She is passionate about education equity and co-founded the youth-led non-profit, The BookWorm Initiative.
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Andie Davis
Youth Network Member
Andie Davis
Youth Network Member
Andie is a first year student at Carleton University in the Global and International Studies program. They have a passion for inclusive education and hope to work with the members of the Youth Network to make the future of Canadian education more accessible and enjoyable. -
Amira Shousha
Youth Network Member
Amira Shousha
Youth Network Member
Amira Shousha is the President and founder of The Youth Guide, a non-profit organization that seeks to serve the needs of marginalized and racialized youth in Canada. Amira is driven to create safe spaces for youth to explore their beliefs. Starting a non-profit organization during the pandemic has given Amira the chance to find innovative ways to give back to her community while simultaneously enabling her to support various non-profit organizations in the sectors of advocacy and youth empowerment. Amira holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta in Psychology, Sociology, and political Science. Amira’s commitment to advocacy and community work enabled her to become an ACGC 2022 recipient of the Top 30 Under 30 awards at the age of 22.
How the youth network is making a difference
The Pan-Canadian Youth Network brings together young people from across Canada who have a diverse range of life experiences, education, and interests. The Network provides a platform to amplify youth voices and innovative perspectives by integrating their feedback into PFE’s work. Our goal is ensuring that young people have a real say in catalyzing change in public education.
The Network uses a range of methods to stay connected and exchange idea. They get together regularly to discuss hot topics and issues that impact young people and public education in Canada. Take a look at recent contributions from the Pan-Canadian Youth Network.
When we uplift youth and students during their public education, we will see the lasting impact… that they believe youth should be uplifted, they believe that youth should have a seat at the table and that their voice is just as valid and as important as an adult’s voice.
Paige Wallace, Youth Network 2023
Still have questions?
Like you, we recognize that we are always learning how we can more intentionally integrate young people into our work. If you’re not ready to apply, there are many other ways to get involved. We welcome you to share any stories, ideas, and/or ways you want to collaborate with us. Please reach out with any other questions or suggestions!
Please contact [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!
Thank you to our sponsor!
