Ms Gregory’s Grade 8 class at Mariposa Elementary School (MES) participated in the TLDSB Intermediate Changemakers Project, as a way to get involved and give back to their local community.
This class was one of many in the Board who participated in the pilot project that encouraged intermediate students to think global and act local. Students participated in changemaker sessions designed to learn about global issues and the UN sustainable development goals. Students were tasked with choosing a goal they were passionate about followed by taking local action to tackle one of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The groups then created projects that involved working with local community agencies to see how their efforts can have a positive impact on local communities. Combined fundraising is allowing for the teams to purchase the needed resources to support their organizations initiatives.
Some examples of projects include:
Helping Paws
This group has been working with the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes and will be promoting the “Adopt Don’t Shop” campaign. They have been fundraising by selling Mariposa 50th Anniversary cookies at the school and will also be holding a talent show. All funds from these two initiatives will be used to buy products needed by the shelter.
The focus on a global goal for this project is #15 – Life on Land.
HungerRid
This group has been volunteering at the Little Britain/Mariposa Food Bank every other Thursday and have also hosted a food drive. Funds raised through the Mariposa Track and Field canteen will be used to purchase the needed food items requested by the food bank.
The focus on a global goal for this project is #2 – No hunger.
Friendly Flowers
This group has been volunteering their time at the Caressant Care Long-Term Care Facility in Lindsay, visiting the residents and bringing them fresh flowers and crafts to enjoy.
The focus on a global goal for this project is #3 – Good Health and Well-Being.
“The students have done an outstanding job preparing their proposals, planning strategic actions, and engaging with community members to reach their local goals. The results of their efforts give them purpose and, as a result, they are finding value in this active service learning. The dedication they are showing toward their self-chosen projects is more than I ever expected. Several groups plan to continue with their projects beyond their final year at Mariposa.”
On May 23, the class held an assembly for the whole school to share their projects and what they have learned.
The project is a part of Trillium Lakelands District School Board Social Entrepreneurship Pilot Project initiative.
