Oct. 03, 2024
Designed to teach the fundamentals of computer science, entrepreneurship, and social justice, ‘Your Voice is Power’ is a national competition for middle and high school students to get creative to remix songs from Indigenous artists and use coding skills they’ve learned from the provided in-school curriculum program.
Harshita Jindia, Grade 12 student from Nelson Mandela High School, has been selected as one of the grand prize winners for the 2024 ‘Your Voice is Power’ student remix competition.
“Participating in Your Voice is Power has deepened my understanding of the importance of cultural heritage, and the racial injustices that persist today in our society. I truly believe that we should take the step forward towards reconciliation and take that responsibility to no longer accept the injustices against Indigenous and Black communities,” said Jinida in a press release from TakingITGlobal, the organization that runs Your Voice is Power.
In addition to learning new technical skills, the contest also promotes facilitating important discussions on the First Nations, Inuit and Métis experience.
Harshita Jindia’s submission,
"Together We Rise", incorporates music from Dakota Bear, Twin Flames, Samian, Ciara and Khalid intended to reflect on the resilience of Indigenous and Black communities in the face of racial and social injustice, and the need for unity in the contemporary world.
As part of their prize, winners receive a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to Ottawa to attend a special hackathon event with local high school students. Harshita will also be featured on the Amazon Music billboard at Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square in October.
Since launching in 2022, Your Voice is Power engaged more than 25,000 students and teachers across Canada. Your Voice is Power is a flagship initiative of
Amazon Future Engineer Canada, a computer science and STEM education program that seeks to afford all young people the opportunity to explore their potential.
Be sure to also listen to Harshita’s interview with CBC Calgary Radio’s Calgary Eyeopener on Sep. 26.
