The government's announcement Wednesday that F.H. Collins Secondary School's students will be getting a temporary gym during the school's reconstruction is "fantastic,” says Bringing Youth Towards  Equality's (BYTE's) executive director.

"I think it's fantastic that the kids from F.H. Collins had something that they were really passionate about and they've been able to impact on the democratic process,” Chris Rider said in an interview today.

"I think that's an amazing example of youth empowerment.”

On Dec. 4 at the Yukon legislative assembly, F.H. Collins students protested the construction plan which would have seen them go for 2 1/2 years without a school gym.

After drawing attention to themselves by standing in the public gallery, Speaker David Laxton asked the students to leave.

"I think the initial reaction, to ask the students to leave the gallery, I think was entirely appropriate,” said Rider.

"I think it's fair to say that they weren't behaving in the way that the Speaker expected and that's fine. Asking them to leave is an entirely appropriate reaction.

"But the letter that they did then send, telling them that they didn't understand the democratic process, was where I think the government handled it poorly.

"I think they should have been encouraged for trying to stand up for what they believe in, and I just would have liked to see that acknowledged a bit more strongly; it is all about youth empowerment after all,” he added.

"Although the Speaker may not agree with the way the students acted while they were in the gallery, I think the most important thing is they're standing up for their rights, and that's just really commendable.”

At a press conference late Wednesday morning, the deputy minister of Education, Val Royle, said while she appreciates the students' right to protest, the government department had decided to reinvestigate options for a temporary gym before the protest on Dec. 4.

BYTE's mandate is to unite Yukon youth to "strengthen youth voice, take action and bring about positive change for the well being of everyone.”

The organization offers a variety of workshops focused on empowering youth, both in Whitehorse and the communities.

Rider noted that they also offer a few more intensive programs, including one called Move.

Move is offered in collaboration with the Women's Directorate and is a five-week program aimed at developing youth community leaders focused on ending violence.

"It's just getting those skills and that confidence to feel like they do have a voice, and that voice is important and that's really one of the main focuses of our organization, because they really are one of the most important parts of our community,” said Rider.

See minister's letter about gym.