Search KelownaNow
Today was harmony day in Kelowna area schools. For 12 years, the School District has hosted the event which promotes acceptance and respect for all members of the community. We spoke with organizer Leigh-Ann Yanow and 13-year-old presenter Tor Broughton, who champions equality from the perspective of a young person who identifies as trans.
160 middle school students spent the day in what they call a 'living library'. Participants break into groups and take part in a series of workshops with 18 different speakers. They also enjoyed some great entertainment from people with diverse backgrounds, including a dance performance by the Kelowna Bhangra Academy. "It's a day for the kids to celebrate belonging and who they are and just harmony," said Leigh-Ann Yanow. She said kids are already better at accepting differences than young people of earlier generations, but re-affirming it with events like this remains important. "It opens their eyes," said Yanow.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.