Thousands of students from across Atlantic Canada came to Halifax today, Nov. 27, for Free the Children's We Day Atlantic Canada.

We Day is a day-long educational event that celebrates the power of young people to create positive change in their local communities and around the world. The event brings together student leaders from across Atlantic Canada who are volunteering and working to make a difference in both their local and global communities. Attendance at We Day cannot be purchased, but is earned through a commitment to service.

"We Day Atlantic is a celebration of the outstanding work being done here and around the world by our students," said Premier Stephen McNeil, who was one of the speakers at the event. "The students here today represent the future of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. It's safe to say our future is in great hands."

We Day is part of a year-long program called We Act that gives educators resources to help bring social justice issues into the classroom and to encourage students to get involved in issues about which they feel passionate.

To support the message of civic engagement and global citizenship provided by We Day and We Act, the government of Nova Scotia provided a contribution to the international charitable organization Free the Children.

For more information on We Day, visit www.weday.com .