Seven students from schools in the Upper Grand District School Board will be visiting remote communities in Kenya and India this summer after winning RIM Build a Village Awards.
The youth volunteer trips will support the community development work of Free the Children and Me to We. Research in Motion sponsors the Build a Village awards program, which this year will cover the travel expenses for 50 students between the ages of 14 and 18 from Waterloo Region, Wellington County and Guelph.
The award honours youth interested in learning more about the world and who want to make a positive difference in their community and in communities overseas.
UGDSB students embarking on the adventure are:
– Brad Wiebe, Arthur P.S., India;
– Nick Perozzo, Jean Little P.S., India;
– Chantelle La Rochelle, Norwell D.S.S., Kenya;
– Elizabeth Cyr, John F. Ross CVI, – Kenya;
• Emma Karlene Zurbrigg, Norwell, – Kenya;
• Eric Post, John F Ross CVI – Kenya;
• Heather Vandiver, John F. Ross CVI, Kenya.
In his video application uploaded to YouTube, John F. Ross student Eric Post said whenever hears of a major disaster in the News, such as the earthquake Haiti, he feels “torn that I am not there myself” to help.
An outdoor enthusiast and Venturer Scout, Post is also certified first responder and wilderness first aider, and co-president of the Region of Waterloo EMS Medical Venturers.
Students on the trips will meet and learn from local elders and community leaders, walk with the “mamas” to draw water, and help to build a school or clean water project.
Organizers hope that the youth volunteers will bring the inspiration they gain from the experience back to their own communities.
