Socio-ecological crises demand that young people’s perspectives be taken seriously. Émilie Morin, Professor of Educational Psychology (Preschool and Primary Education), Université du Québec à Rimouski, and Isabelle Arseneau, Professor of Education and Chair in Transformative Education for Climate Engagement, Université du Québec à Rimouski, examine how recognizing youth voices strengthens their sense of empowerment and their capacity to participate in climate-related discussions and collective action.

Learning to build an opinion is how students learn to build their voice. Audrey Groleau, Professor at Université Laval, Isabelle Arseneau, Professor at Université du Québec à Rimouski, and Chantal Pouliot, Professor at Université Laval, argue that structured dialogue, critical comparison, and creative expression empower young people to form reasoned positions and act with confidence on issues that matter.

Learning thrives when rights, not rigid content, anchor daily practice. By shifting attention to belief, identity, purpose, resilience, and meaningful challenge, this framework reminds educators that when we protect the conditions that nurture confidence and agency, students do more than absorb lessons, they begin to see themselves as capable learners.