Author: Janah Elbatroukh – A reflection of a grade 12 student.
Last year, the Student Ambassadors Program was launched, marking the beginning of a powerful journey rooted in strength, growth, and understanding. Our first event as Student Ambassadors was tabling at two schools, where we highlighted the significance of November 29th and the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinians. For us, this was more than just an event—it was an opportunity to not only deepen our own understanding but also to create a platform for others to learn, engage, and grow. It was a moment of empowerment, a true victory for us as students, as we took the first steps toward shaping a more informed, compassionate community.

Before the program, many of us carried a heavy sense of helplessness and guilt, struggling to express the weight of our emotions. We knew we had the potential to make a meaningful impact, but we were uncertain about how to harness that power or utilize the connections at our disposal. The desire to create change was there, but we lacked the direction and platform to turn that energy into action.

Palestinian students continue to carry immense grief and survivor’s guilt due to the ongoing bombings of Gaza and Lebanon. Last year, as the wounds were still fresh, I realized how vital it is to make sure these students feel seen and supported. During my own grief and guilt, I made it a point to check on my Palestinian peers, ensuring they felt comfortable enough to share their complicated emotions. When the bombing in Lebanon began this year, I could understand the emotional weight that Palestinian and Lebanese students were carrying.

Although many students may not have direct contact with their families back home, the emotional toll of these events is deeply felt by all. We watch as parents are consumed by the news, anxiously trying to reach loved ones to ensure their safety. When I asked a Palestinian-Lebanese student about his family’s well-being, his surprise was evident—he was touched that someone truly understood the emotional weight he and his family were carrying. He thanked me for recognizing his experience and left feeling seen, knowing that, at least in that moment, someone at school understood this crucial part of his identity.

While I have personally experienced that profound loneliness, it wasn’t until joining the Student Ambassadors Program that I truly understood the importance of making students feel seen and supported. Unfortunately, the dehumanization faced by Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims often results in their struggles being overlooked—even by educators and staff who should be offering guidance and care. This disregard for their pain only deepens their sense of isolation, making it all the more crucial to create spaces where their voices and experiences are acknowledged and validated.

This year, for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinians, the Student Ambassadors from the Waterloo Region District School Board organized an impactful dinner in collaboration with over six schools. The event included a free dinner, dynamic performances, a thought-provoking panel, guest speakers, and various tabling opportunities covering crucial topics. What began as a vision has now grown into a powerful, evolving program that continues to amplify voices, build community, and empower students. Just as we envisioned when we first launched the program, it has not only expanded in scale but also in the depth of engagement and leadership from the students involved.