My family and I arrived in Canada in 1989; I was 15 at the time. We fled a war torn Sri Lanka in search of a brighter future. My parent’s decision to migrate to Canada was a turning point in our lives; one that has made a significant impact on the path my life has taken.
My parents were focused on ensuring my brothers and I got the right education and the right opportunities. I was fortunate to have been able to pursue post-secondary education, receiving a BA in psychology from Brock University. Over the years I have worked in the social services sector in various roles as an addictions counselor, domestic abuse counselor, senior support worker, and as a community youth worker.
These experiences, especially working as a youth worker, have given me the opportunity to give back to communities in a meaningful way. Growing up in a family that highly values education it has always been my belief that education needs to be at the top of the agenda in every community, in every school and in every family.
Our students need to be put first. Their aspirations and needs are a priority for everyone in the community. Their success underpins the success of our community. Schools in Ward 7 and 8 are in great shape. We have wonderful teachers and great support workers.
However, we do need to ensure that there is meaningful engagement between parents, students, and schools. Trustee's have an important role to play in this regard, one that sometimes is taken granted for.
In deciding to run as a school trustee, I am committing myself to the people of Ward 7 and 8. I commit to ensuring that the job of school trustee is not merely a symbolic one that stops at attending board meetings. I commit that I will not treat my job as a school trustee as merely a part-time one. I commit to ensuring that the voices of our students and the voices of our parents are heard.
I pledge to meet more students, parents, teachers than ever before. This is important to me because grassroots involvement by a trustee is the difference we need to take public education in our community to the next level.
In the busy and complex times we live in trustees need to bridge the gap between schools and families.
I'm committed to just that! I look forward to seeing you at the doors, hearing your concerns about the future of our education system, and working hard to earn your trust to serve as your school board trustee for Ward 7 and 8.
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