A young man whose parents came to Canada as refugees from a country where they had no rights is being recognized for his hard work to help others.
Darren Touch never takes his rights and freedoms as a Canadian for granted because he's heard all his life what it's like to live with no rights.
“My parents were refugees from Cambodia. They immigrated to Canada in 1989 and so they came here because of the civil war there, and in a sense they were denied their basic human rights and no one spoke out for them in the world,” said Touch.
Touch decided to speak out for people who don't have rights and joined the Amnesty International Club at Western Canada High School.
“Darren is truly passionate about issues relating to human rights and social justice as am I so he's able to inspire other students as I couldn't and he keeps us organized, agenda every meeting,” said teacher, Debbie MacNaughton.
MacNaughton says attendance at club meetings has more than tripled since Touch got involved and his focus and energy inspire fellow students.
“Often youth, including myself we always say we're too busy, but at the same time, we complain about wasting hours on facebook or on the internet so Darren is always using his time wisely,” said student, Yara Hattab.
“I feel deeply honoured to have a student like Darren in my school. He's brought all kinds of interesting opportunities, leadership opportunities. Great student academically as well,” said Principal Kim Hackman.
That academic excellence and his community involvement have been recognized with a TD bank scholarship for community leadership.
For all he does to improve the lives of people, Darren Touch is our inspiring Albertan this week.
