Carleton University
February 15, 2008
(Ottawa)—Traditionally, many students have spent spring break pursuing recreational activities. That’s not the case for two groups of Carleton University students who will spend their Reading Week (Feb. 18-22) volunteering in Mexico or Ottawa to give back to the community. This is part of Carleton’s continued Community Service Learning (CSL) program that helps students find out more about compelling social issues. This particular Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program will send 25 students to Mexico and 20 students to a local Ottawa elementary school.
Erin Kaipainen, Leadership Development and Experiential Education Coordinator for the First Year Experience Office (FYEO), which organized the program, says: “This kind of hands-on community experience combined with educational workshops will give our students a deeper understanding of various issues such as affordable housing, poverty and social justice in Mexico, or diversity, immigration and the education system in Ottawa. We are excited to be expanding our ASB program this year to include both a local and international destination.”
“We are proud of the number of Carleton students who have chosen to spend their spring break giving back to the Ottawa community and making a difference abroad,” says Jennifer Quin, Director of Student Affairs. “CSL is a great example of faculty and staff partnering with students to enhance their learning and university experience. We know our students will gain as much from this experience as the individuals and groups they are assisting.”
In Cuernavaca, students will learn about housing issues and participate in a Habitat for Humanity build. The group will learn about survival strategies amongst the poor and spend a day working in a recycling cooperative. Students will also be introduced to issues around migration, human rights and social movements. In addition to their service to the community, students will complete a social analysis activity and various journaling assignments.
Students participating in ASB at Cambridge School in Ottawa will learn about multiculturalism and will be assisting elementary school students in creating a quilt that celebrates their diverse community. Carleton University students will be working with Cambridge students on a schoolyard revitalization project, which will help them explore issues related to the environment and community development. Participants will also take part in workshops to learn about engaging children in decision-making, and cross-cultural understanding.
The students will be challenged to make connections between the service they provide to the community and the knowledge and skills they acquire in the classroom. Faculty and staff members will participate on both Alternative Spring Break teams and will organize guest speakers, and lead reflection activities before, during, and after spring break.
Students are responsible for the costs associated with the program, including transportation, materials, most meals, accommodation, and pocket money. Many of the students, particularly on the Mexico ASB team, have been doing personal fund raising activities in order to raise $1400 to cover their expenses. The group has also collected donated items such as toothbrushes and art supplies for schools and families in Cuernavaca.
The First Year Experience Office at Carleton University helps first year students make a successful transition to university life by helping students achieve their personal and academic goals through support services and student engagement. Transition support is offered through Summer, Fall and Winter Orientation, Academic Orientation, a monthly newsletter for new students, weekly Success Series workshops, and parent and family outreach. The FYEO engages students throughout the year through a variety of programs including the Peer Helper program, Leadership Development, and Community Service Learning.
For more information:
Shannon Butters (ASB Ottawa – Cambridge School)
Manager, First Year Experience Office
613-520-2600 ext. 1251
Cell: 613-447-9101
Erin Kaipainen (ASB Mexico)
Leadership Development and Experiential Education Coordinator, First Year Experience Office
Carleton University
(613) 520-2600 ext. 8840
Lin Moody
Media Relations
Carleton University
613-520-2600 ext. 8705
