JASON SETNYK
La Citadelle High School buzzed with hands-on learning as Cornwall recently marked International Day of the Girl with skills demos, guest speakers, and meet-and-greets with first responders and community partners. The free celebration was co-organized by Karina Poirier of Équipe psycho-sociale/Bien Ici and Danielle McCormick of Baldwin House, with support from the Cornwall Police Service, Paramedic Services, the Cornwall Fire Service, the Centre de santé communautaire, and Cornwall Community Hospital.
“It’s so wonderful to see all of you here today as we come together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, a day that reminds us of the power, potential, and brilliance of girls everywhere,” said organizer Farhana Meghji in her welcome. “Today’s event is all about confidence, courage, and community. From learning how to change a tire and an oil filter, to trying out self-defence moves, exploring the world through virtual reality, and expressing yourself through henna or face painting, every activity here is designed to help you learn something new, try something bold, and believe in yourself.”
City councillors Carilyne Hébert and Elaine MacDonald delivered keynote remarks. MacDonald framed 2025 as a turning point. “The best news ever is that… Day of the Girl 2025 is the best Day of the Girl of all time,” she told the crowd. “It’s better than it was five years ago, better than it was ten years ago.” Calling it “a world moment,” she said society is waking up “to how powerful and how wonderful girls are and how much potential girls have.” In a playful nod to Greek myth, MacDonald invoked Athena-“the goddess of wisdom… and warfare”-to underscore “women’s power” and the practical skills on display throughout the event.
Around the gym and parking lot, stations invited girls to roll up their sleeves. A local mechanic demonstrated tire changes and oil-change basics while first responders helped visitors into bunker gear and EMS kits. Volunteers offered face painting and henna, and an indoor VR setup drew a steady line of young thrill-seekers. “It was pretty crazy,” said Grade 6 student Taylor Gratton after trying two virtual roller coasters with Poptronic VR. “I went really high up, and then I dropped like 20 feet… it was kind of creepy, but it was really cool.”
Cornwall firefighter Alex Lalonde said the day helps make careers feel reachable. “Definitely go for it,” she told girls considering fire service work. “It’s the best job… you get to help people on their worst days, make some of it a little bit better.” The gear can look intimidating until you try it, she added: “Once the girls put on the gear and do it, they’re like, ‘Oh, I can do it.'” Perceptions are shifting, she said: “There’s definitely a position for everybody… if you work hard enough, you can get strong enough, and you can be just like one of the guys.”
Meghji closed by returning to the day’s theme of partnership and persistence. “We’re joined by amazing first responders and community partners who are here to share their knowledge, encouragement, and support,” she said. “May we create sustainable partnerships and strong community for the future teachings and benefit of generations to come. Believe in yourself, try something bold, and keep going.”
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