Sixty students from Montreal and Sechelt francophone school, l’École du Pacifique, arrive in Powell River on June 22, to be hosted by the students, staff and families of École Côte du Soleil.
This is the second and final part of a SEVEC (Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada) youth exchange program. In April, 19 local students and their teachers enjoyed a visit to Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City. For many students this was their first flight and first trip across Canada.
SEVEC funds about 5,000 home exchange students each year, providing youth aged 12 to 17 with the opportunity to explore Canada’s rich mosaic of regional diversity.
Youth have the opportunity to learn a second language, develop cultural awareness, break down social barriers and develop leadership skills. Air travel for students is free, funded by the federal government’s Department of Canadian Heritage.
Host families have been fundraising around Powell River since late 2010, holding bottle drives and car washes among other events, to help fund local activities.
The visiting students will stay with local families for the week and explore the town, surrounding parks and beaches, as well as spend a day in Lund and an overnight stay in Sechelt.
