February 18, 2009
DSBN Technology Goes Global
This summer, DSBN students will be traveling halfway across the world to improve the lives of people they have never met, in a country they have never visited. On June 27, 2009, up to 15 DSBN students will pack their tools, work boots and hardhats and board a plane headed for El Salvador to participate in the Board’s first-ever international home build.
Approved by Board Trustees in January, the ten day trip to El Salvador is the inaugural project of the District School Board of Niagara’s International building program (DSBNi). Students participating in the build will have the opportunity to learn more about the skilled trades by working on all aspects of home building from electrical work to roofing, plumbing, painting and landscaping.
“This trip will expand students’ horizons by introducing them to different cultures, allowing them to become familiar with the customs, traditions, cuisines and lifestyles of another community,” according to Kevin Graham, DSBN Technology Consultant. “We know that many people across the globe are in desperate need of safe and comfortable shelter. For students to know that they have made a tangible difference in someone else’s life is a very powerful experience, so in many ways, this trip is also an exercise in leadership.”
In addition to gaining invaluable life experience, students will earn one cooperative education credit for participating in the build. Before flying out to El Salvador, students will have spent several evenings and weekends learning more about the host country, the basics of masonry, brick laying, mortar mixing and some basic Spanish. Students will also participate in a general safety course and receive First-Aid training.
Students who travel overseas to learn and ply their trades will have further opportunities to develop their leadership skills and even do some public speaking once they return. One student from each school will become a DSBNi Ambassador; speaking at school assemblies and mentoring students considering applying to the program.
Applications for the June build are being distributed to schools the week of February 16.