A group of students from Carihi and Timberline are travelling to Guatemala to build houses but they need the community’s help to get them there.
The students, who are part of International Co-op, will be in Guatemala for two weeks to complete a humanitarian project.
The class hopes to build either an orphanage, a small school, or a house for a family in need. But first the students have to come up with $870 each for meals, accommodation, project costs and three cultural excursions. The class goal is to come up with $5,000 or more for the project.
“We fundraise extensively to make it affordable for all students,” said Barb Izard, co-op teacher. “However, I find myself having conversations with many students whose financial situations are such that they are unable to travel unless more funding happens. This is heart breaking. These students are empathic, caring, hopeful and committed to helping a family who is disadvantaged in a very poor country.”
Izard said her group of 60 students meet outside their school timetable to be part of International Co-op and help make a difference in the world and the community.
“They are our future leaders’ decision makers and problem solvers,” Izard said. “We need to give them the skill set and the support to understand the reasons for poverty, inequities and economic disparity in our global world and see first-hand the enormity of making a difference.”
Students will be in Guatemala July 1-15, 2012 and will not only be building but also teaching English in the local school and orphanage.Izard said it is very likely the students will be building a house.
“The need is very great to build homes for those who are in need,” Izard said. To help the class get to Guatemala, take part or attend one of the following fundraisers:
Sat., Nov. 19 – International Trade Fair at Timberline School (pizza sale) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 26 – Bottle Drive from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tues., Nov. 29 – International Dinner from 6-9 p.m. at Timberline. International dishes offered and a silent auction. Tickets available at Saturday’s Trade Fair, online at www.sd72.bc.ca/timberline/ under ‘Eventz’, or at the Timberline school office.