June 22, 2009
DSBN Students Become Global Citizens
in El Salvador
This will be a summer job like no other.
On Saturday, June 27, eleven DSBN students will board a plane headed halfway across the world to create positive change in the lives of some very deserving people. Students will be spending ten days in El Salvador building two homes for families in need of support.
The upcoming trip to El Salvador is the inaugural project of the District School Board of Niagara’s International (DSBNi) home building program. “This trip will be a tremendous learning experience for students,” says Kevin Graham, DSBN Technology Consultant. “By giving back to those less fortunate, our students are demonstrating both leadership and social conscience. This trip will be a great source of personal and professional growth for them.”
In preparation for the upcoming trip, students spent a number of evenings and weekends learning the basics of masonry, brick laying and mortar mixing. “Students on this trip will be involved in every aspect of homebuilding; from electrical work to roofing, plumbing, painting and landscaping,” says Mike Doyle, Skills Development Coordinator. Students also received some basic Spanish lessons and First-Aid training.
To participate in the build, students have had to raise funds to cover the cost of their flights and other in-country expenses. To offset the costs of the trip, students have held car washes, barbecues, sold t-shirts and acted as “celebrity servers” at local restaurants. “Community support has been overwhelming, with numerous businesses, associations, and individuals contributing to this worthy cause,” says Graham.
Ensuring that students have a lasting memory of their trip, and to share the experience with fellow students interested in future builds, Sir Winston Churchill student Janet Krzeckowski will serve as the trip’s official videographer. The first DSBNi documentary will be showcased at a future Board meeting.
Those interested in receiving regular updates on students’ progress in El Salvador are invited to view the team’s blog, which will be updated daily at http://building-inspires-gratitude.blogspot.com/
The following students will be going to El Salvador as part of the 2009 DSBNi team.
Patricia Angle, Governor Simcoe Secondary
Eric Bouw, Eden High School
Ryan Elliott, E.L. Crossley Secondary
Alex Emmerson, Centennial Secondary
Corie Hordijk, Niagara District Secondary
Janet Krzeczkowski, Sir Winston Secondary
Kayla Kuyvenhoven, Grimsby Secondary
Jordon Milne, Kernahan Park Secondary
Andrew Petheram, A.N. Myer Secondary
Matt Sinan, Stamford Collegiate
Amanda Vargo, Eastdale Secondary