October 20, 2009
DSBN Continues Global Outreach Initiative
Next summer, students at the District School Board of Niagara will continue their efforts to reach out to the global community. In June of 2010, up to 15 DSBN students and eight staff members will put their skills, talents and enthusiasm to work in Vietnam as part of the Board’s second international home build (DSBNi 2010).
At their regular meeting on October 13, Trustees of the District School Board of Niagara officially announced their support of the build by voting to approve the trip in 2010. The ten day trip will see the students, chosen from high schools across the Board, travel to Ho Chi Minh city to build a home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The site was selected to reflect the ongoing partnership between the DSBN and the Canadian International School in Vietnam.
“By every measure, the inaugural DSBNi build in El Salvador this past summer was an overwhelming success,” says Kevin Graham, DSBN Technology Consultant. “Many of the students who participated on the original trip did so with the goal of making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. However, they soon realized what a profound impact the experience would make in their own lives. We appreciate our Trustees support in extending this opportunity to even more students.”
“This is a unique opportunity for students,” says Carolyn Ranieri, ACE Program Coordinator. “Students will learn a great deal about leadership, the challenges faced by people across the globe and the value of connecting with the community.” Ranieri took part in the El Salvador build as a DSBN staff leader.
In addition to gaining tremendous life experience, students will earn one cooperative education credit for participating in the build. Students will learn about the skilled trades by working on all aspects of home building from electrical work to roofing, plumbing, painting and landscaping.
Before leaving for Vietnam, 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 Vietnamese. Students will also participate in a general safety course and receive First-Aid training.
The DSBNi team headed to Vietnam will be selected by mid-November.