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Since 2006, St. John's School has proudly participated in Habitat for Humanity, an internationally-renowned programme that has built over 350,000 homes and housed over 1.75 million people to date, and has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, bestowed by the President of the United States.
Beginning with our first volunteer project in Kauaii, Hawaii, Habitat for Humanity has since become an annual trip that Grade 11 and 12 students look forward to every year at St. John's. As volunteers, our students work alongside members of the host country to build simple yet durable homes. The houses are almost entirely built by volunteers and are bought by the homeowners at a very affordable mortgage. Therefore, the program is not a "hand out" but a "hand up."
Habitat for Humanity Global Village volunteer teams consist of approximately 15 students plus chaperones, all dedicated to working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The trips are usually 10 – 14 days in duration and comprise five days of building with three to four days of cultural activities plus some time for travel to and from the destination. Work includes digging a home's foundation, painting, landscaping, carrying bricks and concrete blocks, hammering, woodworking and cutting/weaving bamboo.
Thus far, St. John's Habitat for Humanity trips have given students the opportunity to contribute their skills and energy in deserving communities around the world, including Mumbai (India, 2012), Bangalore (India, 2010), Kauai (Hawaii, 2006 & 2009) and Punta Gorda (Florida, 2010). In 2011, St. John's was the first Canadian group to represent Habitat for Humanity in Nepal, where we worked near the town of Itahari.
The official "Teambolina" blog, moderated by Mr. Sukhbir Bolina, presents journal entries by students and chaperones from recent and previous trips with Habitat for Humanity. It can be viewed here.
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Closing Thoughts: Reflections from Past Projects | | | In April 2012, students returned from a Habitat for Humanity trip to Mumbai, India. Curious to learn more? Peruse student journals and photos from the road on the Team Bolina website, moderated by Teacher and Habitat for Humanity chaperone, Mr. Sukhbir Bolina. |
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