On April 26, École St Germain, Glenwood School, and École Varennes won the top three prizes in the middle years category at a special Youth Climate Video Showcase put on by Climate Change Connection, and sponsored by Generation E and CBC Manitoba.
The Executive Director of Climate Change Connection highlighted the importance of getting the message out about climate change issues and solutions in creative ways to reach more people, such as through the art of film.
It was inspiring to have Environment Minister Mike Moyes in attendance, who encouraged students to continue fighting for the environment and highlighted the difference supportive families and teachers can make. Later, in a post about the event, Minister Moyes shared, “Young people aren’t just learning about the environment - they’re leading the way and challenging all of us to think bigger… The next generation is ready to take on the climate challenge - and that’s something to feel hopeful about.”
That sense of hope was echoed by educators who guided students through the creative process.
Jennifer Engbrecht (École St. Germain, first place) felt that the students were able to develop such hope through the process of creating their music video, which was solution-focused, and highlighted supporting the amazing things that the land and creatures are already doing. Grade 4 student, Emma, says, “I really enjoyed it! I really wanted to go as I want to help the environment.”
At Glenwood School, the experience similarly left a lasting impression on both students and staff.
Erin Charles (Glenwood School, second place) shares, “I found it incredibly hopeful and inspiring to watch the wide variety of videos created by students and teachers who clearly demonstrated a passion for their chosen topics. My intention with this project was to help students recognize that while there are many global challenges that can make us feel powerless at times, focusing on small, tangible actions within our control can create a sense of hope. There are so many people doing meaningful work, including everyone who participated in this video contest, and centring our attention on these changemakers reminds us that positive change is possible.”
At École Varennes, the project created opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and deeper learning.
Suzanne Simpson (École Varennes, third place) shares, "The video contest was a great catalyst for important conversations during our Club Vert-ennes meetings and provided the students with a goal to work towards. They dove deep into learning about compost, collaborated on the script and found an outlet for their passion and creativity to shine."
Students themselves spoke to the excitement, learning, and sense of accomplishment they experienced through the project.
"It was very fun," said Asher, a student from École Varennes. "It was very surprising that we got third place - I didn't think we'd get it after first and second place were awarded. It was very cool, and I am definitely going to do it again next year."
The experience also helped build connections and deepen learning for those involved.
"I really enjoyed doing the video," said Kara, another student from École Varennes. "It made all of us closer, we had a lot of fun, and we learned some new stuff for the video, like what plants need to grow."
For other students, the project offered a creative way to share knowledge and spark conversations about climate action.
"It was fun," said Annora, a student from École Varennes. "I really liked the costumes and how we got to talk to people about composting."
Congratulations to all students and schools who entered. So many important ideas were shared and can be seen on the Climate Change Connection YouTube channel.