Students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program at two Orangeville secondary schools are working with Habitat for Humanity to build a "tiny" home in collaboration with a First Nations community in the Saugeen area.
Construction on the home began in the fall of 2024, with students from Westside Secondary School handling the framing and exterior sheathing. The home was moved to Orangeville District Secondary School in early February, where students there will finish the interior. The home is expected to be completed and shared with the community by the end of the school year.
"Our students and teachers always excel at real-life projects and step up when it counts. This is a great demonstration of the skill sets developed in our tech programs," said Charles Benyair, Co-operative Education, Dual Credit, Specialist High Skills Major, Technological Education and STEM Curriculum Lead.
"We are also aware of how this supports the larger picture of truth and reconciliation", he further added.
Supporting Truth and Reconciliation involves both material contributions, like this project, and ongoing, commitments to relationship-building, learning, understanding, and action.
Habitat for Humanity funded the project, with the UGDSB covering incidental costs and tools as part of the SHSM program. UGDSB Facilities were involved in arranging space for the project at both locations and assisted with moving the home between schools.
