Testimonials
My week at NSCF was utterly fantastic! I had the opportunity to not only meet other youth from across the country but also to learn about nations from around the World. Throughout the week I received many once in a lifetime opportunities such as debating in Senate and acting as a head of government that I’ll remember for the rest of my life! I would definitely recommend NSCF to any students Canada-wide that have any sort of interest in learning more about their World!
-Evan B. | Shellbrook, SK | NSCF 2015 (Australia)
-Evan B. | Shellbrook, SK | NSCF 2015 (Australia)
NSCF began when I walked into a room with 100 unfamiliar faces and an uncertainty of what my week would entail. Feelings of unfamiliarity and uncertainty quickly developed into close friendships and eagerness to participate in new activities with new friends. This forum allowed us to build confidence through multiple debates, learn more about Canadian and world politics, and meet fellow passionate likeminded young people from coast to coast. I spent my stay in Ottawa with a billet family and the experience surpassed all expectations I had walking into the home. Billeting allowed for a special bond with a family that made me much more comfortable with exploring a new city. From my experience with billeting to spending a day representing India at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the National Student Commonwealth Forum was a highlight of my high school career and I would recommend it to all young Canadians.
- Danielle K. | Hamilton, Ontario | NSCF 2015 (India)
- Danielle K. | Hamilton, Ontario | NSCF 2015 (India)
Much Good, Very Wow.
Before NSCF I was of the mind that politics in general were of little consequence and better left to politicians to debate and discuss. However in my time at NSCF and the intensive learning within this time I have come to know a more intimate side of the politics that many small town farmers have known. While definitely not the best versed speaker or the most convincing by far, the CHOGM as well as the debate in the Senate at Parliament puts anticipation as well as an ounce of fear (maybe this is just me) at the thought of public speaking. NSCF has definitely helped in the regard with my realization that language skills are not just for the politically correct politicians but rather for any contributing member of society.
Throughout the time at NSCF they foster a general and warming attitude towards youth involvement and contribution in community, which seems to become a life long part of you as opportunities to contribute to the local community at home never seem to pass you by. The speakers as well as the excellent planning team being prime examples and role models in their creation of a simply wonderful event.
The Commonwealth has definitely become a prevalent topic in my mind, after its actual discovery by me in my attendance of NSCF. Sure I may have heard of it before, but like any other vaguely mentioned organization I never took notice of the complexity and importance of it to such an amount.
NSCF is a program that will definitely stand out in my mind as a high of my years in school, and even now I believe it has impacted me in a very positive way. Life long friends have been made that I intend to keep throughout my professional career and reconnect with time and time again as I grow older. NSCF has my highest regards and many of my friends have been given the suggestion that they should come, enjoy, and learn from the event for themselves and I am very glad for the opportunity to attend this program.
- Jaret F. | Dapp, Alberta | NSCF 2015 (St. Vincent & The Grenadines)
Before NSCF I was of the mind that politics in general were of little consequence and better left to politicians to debate and discuss. However in my time at NSCF and the intensive learning within this time I have come to know a more intimate side of the politics that many small town farmers have known. While definitely not the best versed speaker or the most convincing by far, the CHOGM as well as the debate in the Senate at Parliament puts anticipation as well as an ounce of fear (maybe this is just me) at the thought of public speaking. NSCF has definitely helped in the regard with my realization that language skills are not just for the politically correct politicians but rather for any contributing member of society.
Throughout the time at NSCF they foster a general and warming attitude towards youth involvement and contribution in community, which seems to become a life long part of you as opportunities to contribute to the local community at home never seem to pass you by. The speakers as well as the excellent planning team being prime examples and role models in their creation of a simply wonderful event.
The Commonwealth has definitely become a prevalent topic in my mind, after its actual discovery by me in my attendance of NSCF. Sure I may have heard of it before, but like any other vaguely mentioned organization I never took notice of the complexity and importance of it to such an amount.
NSCF is a program that will definitely stand out in my mind as a high of my years in school, and even now I believe it has impacted me in a very positive way. Life long friends have been made that I intend to keep throughout my professional career and reconnect with time and time again as I grow older. NSCF has my highest regards and many of my friends have been given the suggestion that they should come, enjoy, and learn from the event for themselves and I am very glad for the opportunity to attend this program.
- Jaret F. | Dapp, Alberta | NSCF 2015 (St. Vincent & The Grenadines)
To me, the National Student Commonwealth Forum is so much more than a conference. As a shy 17-year old, I embarked on the journey to Ottawa for a fun trip, but came away with so much more than I expected. As a gathering of young minds, the Forum gives students the opportunity to stretch their political knowledge, and re-examine Canada's position in the world. On a personal level, both as a delegate and as a member of the planning team for 2 years*, NSCF has given me the opportunity to develop many skills such as organizational and public speaking that have been hugely important in other areas of my life. NSCF ultimately helped me choose where I wanted to spend my university years, and has also helped me network with amazing people from across the country. The conference is an opportunity that I firmly believe is beneficial for students from all across the country, and I would love to see it continue for years to come.
- Stephanie S. | Kamloops, BC | NSCF 2009
*Since writing this Testimonial, Stephanie has gone on to volunteer as a Planning Team member for a total of 4 years and was a Co-Chair for the 2014 Forum.
- Stephanie S. | Kamloops, BC | NSCF 2009
*Since writing this Testimonial, Stephanie has gone on to volunteer as a Planning Team member for a total of 4 years and was a Co-Chair for the 2014 Forum.
NSCF has allowed me to build and maintain lasting friendships with people from all backgrounds from every part of Canada. To this day I still find it amazing how strangers from coast to coast can come together in a week and build friendships which last for years beyond the conference. It is comforting to know that if I pretty much travel anywhere in Canada some NSCF alumni is likely to be within in the area or not far off. In addition to creating long lasting friendships, NSCF also provided me with an excellent academic experience. It gave me an opportunity to interactively discuss and debate topics of global importance with other students, but also with professionals in their fields as well as foreign diplomats in order to gain deeper knowledge into the topic from their countries perspective. The forum, like the real Commonwealth is based purely on consensus. This was a good lesson in learning to deal and adapt to people who share different views then you, which is excellent real world knowledge and experience to have.
- Bryan M., | Peterborough, ON | NSCF 2007
- Bryan M., | Peterborough, ON | NSCF 2007
The NSCF is a uniquely Canadian phenomenon that inspires, motivates, and exposes Canadian youth from every corner of this country to the inner workings of Ottawa, Canada, and the Commonwealth. I joined the planning team in 2008 and having co-chaired the 38th NSCF, I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to impact young people's lives. Without exception, I feel the Forum is undervalued for its capabilities. The potential for this initiative to grow and gain even more support is great and I feel a committed group of alumni would be able to make sure we reach, not only the 40th NSCF, but for decades on. A team of over 30 university, college, or senior high school students put in thousands of hours each year to ensure the success of each and every Forum. We strive for 100 youth delegates from Vancouver, BC to Paradise, NL. Most students, without the NSCF, would not have had the opportunity to travel and meet like minded Canadian youth. Even though I've lived in Ottawa for most of my life, if I didn't sign up for this mysterious 6 day in town conference I would not be where I am today. Because of the NSCF I chose to major in Political Science and later pursue a second major in Human Rights. I traveled to Rwanda in 2010 for the 4th NKABOM Youth Leadership Program, which resulted from my work with the Forum as well as my close relationship with the RCS. The people I've met, even as a delegate in 2008 and as a PT member for the following years have played a major part of my life. Whenever I go out of town, even to different parts of the country, I have someone who I know on a personal basis to visit. Each year the co-chairs have to make hard decisions on whom to let into the Planning Team, having almost as much applications as delegate applications. This tells us something! It tells us that the NSCF is a hidden gem. That, when it's discovered, it sparks interest and passion that is slowly getting harder to find in today's youth. Having had the NSCF experience I feel more aware as an individual, more educated as a student, and more connected as a Canadian. I hope we can continue to inspire young people and give them an experience of a lifetime!
- Fawzi G. | Ottawa, ON | NSCF 2008
*Fawzi has since acted as Co-Chair (NSCF 2010) and co-founded, with another NSCF Alumni, MYCommonwealth, a youth run and led organization which gives voice to the views of Canadian youth on Commonwealth issues.
- Fawzi G. | Ottawa, ON | NSCF 2008
*Fawzi has since acted as Co-Chair (NSCF 2010) and co-founded, with another NSCF Alumni, MYCommonwealth, a youth run and led organization which gives voice to the views of Canadian youth on Commonwealth issues.
From May 2nd to May 7th 2010 I had one of the best weeks of my life. Why? I got to explore our nation’s capital, listen to great speakers, debate in the senate, meet the high commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago, learn about the different cultures and people all across Canada, and represent my chosen country at DFAIT [the department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade]. The National Student Commonwealth Forum has helped me a lot in my life. Before this experience I kept to myself and was really shy. After this experience I got over my shyness, I stayed connected with my friends I had met, learned more about the Commonwealth and even became the Jr. Chief of my school!
- Chelsey M. | The Pas, MB | NSCF 2010 (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Chelsey M. | The Pas, MB | NSCF 2010 (Trinidad and Tobago)
NSCF has the ability to change the life of a young person. In my grade twelve year I travelled 4,500km from my hometown of Kamloops, BC to participate in the 37th annual National Student Commonwealth Forum. From the moment I began the week long program I knew that I would take with me both intellectual and personal knowledge from the conference. Thanks to the NSCF I decided to pursue a post-secondary education at Carleton University; a conference that can convince you to move across the country for university obviously has the ability to make a profound impact. The lifelong friends I have made through the NSCF are also evidence of a week that shaped my life, and continues to have a positive effect on my future. As a Planning Team member for the past two years I have had the opportunity to give back to this outstanding conference and hope to continue my involvement for many years to come.
- Adrienne M. | Kamloops, BC | NSCF 2009 (Bangladesh)
- Adrienne M. | Kamloops, BC | NSCF 2009 (Bangladesh)
As a senior student in high school I had no clue as to what I wanted to do with my life, what I wanted to study or what interested me. I still don’t know the answers to all of these questions; however, from the experience that the NSCF gave me, I found what I’m passionate about. I was able to meet so many people from all over Canada and learn just how diverse Canada really is, beyond my small hometown of Peterborough, Ontario. Of course, I was a bit nervous at the beginning but the week flew by and by the time we had to say goodbye I was so attached to my NSCF family that I cried. We were given so many amazing opportunities, from visiting DFAIT [the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade], touring Rideau Hall and Parliament, debating in the Senate, partaking in a mock CHOGM, meeting many important political figures and taking part in skill building activities. I went into the week not sure what I would take from it; I left Ottawa with a whole new outlook on my own life and what I want to do.
- Jennifer C. | Peterborough, ON | NSCF 2010
- Jennifer C. | Peterborough, ON | NSCF 2010