Remi Poliquin
Counsel
Researching Equity at LCCHS
by Pearson News Staff
Over the summer, LaSalle Community Comprehensive High School student Kanaya Clayton stepped into the role of a university-level researcher. The Grade 10 International Baccalaureate student helped lead a groundbreaking participatory study on the experiences of Black English-speaking youth in Montreal, presenting actionable findings to educational leaders to inspire systemic change.
The dedicated student spent her summer working as a youth research partner through a nationwide Youth Participatory Action Research project. Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Quebec English-Speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN), the community-based project is known as Voices of Youth on Black Education (VYBE).
Kanaya was one of five youth researchers who actively drove the study from its initial design through to data collection and analysis, exploring the realities for Black students attending English schools in Montreal.
“Over the summer, we developed skills in interviewing techniques, research methodologies, and both quantitative and qualitative analysis,” Kanaya explained. She noted that the opportunity “aligned with both my academic interests and my desire to make a positive impact in my community.”\
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Dr. Tya Collins, an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa and the project’s lead, praised the young researchers’ efforts.
“We are incredibly proud of their work, and I am delighted that Kanaya’s contributions may be recognized by her school and school board,” Dr. Collins said.
Kanaya’s school echoed this pride, taking to social media to celebrate “all her hard work and accomplishments as she finished her summer research project.”
On October 25, the team presented their comprehensive findings at a research showcase held at SHIFT – Concordia University. The presentation drew an attentive audience of friends, family, university professors, and community leaders. The Lester B. Pearson School Board community was well represented at the event, with Allison Saunders, vice-chair of the council of commissioners, in attendance. Also present was David Meloche, the executive director of the Quebec English School Boards Association and a long-time former LBPSB teacher, school principal, and regional director.
The student-led presentation resonated deeply with the attendees. Following the showcase, Meloche even asked the research team if they would like to be a part of a QESBA advisory committee.
“This experience not only broadened my understanding of the challenges and perspectives of Black English-speaking students but also allowed me to hear from audience members who personally connected with our findings,” Kanaya shared.
“Overall, this experience strengthened my research, analytical, and public-speaking skills while reinforcing the importance of youth voices in creating meaningful and lasting change,” she concluded.
