My visit to Community Christian School in Metcalfe was an absolute delight from start to finish. I arrived armed with a lively “orders of government” game, fully expecting to guide the students through which services belong to which order – only to quickly see that these students were prepared. They were brimming with curiosity, and eager to ask thoughtful, insightful questions that showed just how much they’d already been thinking about civic affairs.

I gave them a real-life challenge – related to organic composting (did you know only 50% of residents use the green bin?) – and together we unpacked possible approaches to increasing its use. Their enthusiasm for civic engagement was truly infectious – and I have to admit, I have a soft spot for young learners. There’s nothing better than seeing that spark when something clicks, and you can tell a concept has landed. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school, and I left feeling energized, encouraged, and genuinely inspired by the bright, respectful, and motivated students.