Aug 17, 2007 - 04:09 PM

By Crystal Crimi

As the days are counted down to the start of school, we wanted to remind our readers just how much local students do to make the world a better place. Education reporter Crystal Crimi’s three-part series will look at students from across Durham and how their efforts are making a difference. In part one, we look at Dunbarton students who travelled to Tanzania to help build a school. 

DURHAM -- The dream of education had a little more life breathed into it for some African students, thanks to a group of Pickering teenagers.

This year, 23 Dunbarton students and five teachers flew across the world to get their hands dirty by working on a secondary school in Tanzania.

While the students went with a desire to help and see Africa with their own eyes, they returned home with a greater sense of appreciation, memories of big bugs, the sound of roosters and dog fights in the night, smiles of the people there, and an appetite to do more.

“I felt like they’ve given me more than I’ve given them,” said Craig Watters, a Dunbarton student. “My perspective of the world has completely changed.”

Dunbarton became involved in the construction project through Barry Sutherland, a teacher Dunbarton principal Rick White used to work with in Canada who is now principal of the International School Moshi in Tanzania.

“Knowing what I know about Dunbarton, I thought this was something that would speak to the students and staff,” said Mr. White.

Initially, 75 students showed interest in the project, but they could only take 24.

Along with their commitment to help physically construct the school, students also had to raise $3,500 US for Moshi to buy building materials. Through corporate donations and bake and dough sales at the school, the group actually raised $4,000.

“You wouldn’t believe the building material that bought,” said Mr. White, and added it helped build two full classrooms.

They also brought pens and school supplies to give out.

In Tanzania, the Dunbarton students participated in traditional concrete pouring techniques. They hand-bombed stones to be used for the bottom layer of the floor, which was then filled with concrete.

“And it was long days in the hot sun and not one of our students complained,” said Mr. White.

The students even wanted to ditch their free time and volunteer more.

“I think it’s more fun than seeing elephants,” said Juraj Kobzik, a Grade 11 student.

Working was his favourite part of the trip.

“We felt the connection of one community,” said Juraj. He went on the trip because he wanted to give something back.

Juraj always knew about life in Africa, but seeing it himself opened his eyes.

“I appreciated everything a lot more, school and the fact I can eat every day,” he said.

Grade 12 student Sheneil Black also feels more appreciative.

“I learned how fortunate we are living here; we complain about everything like I have to have an iPod... down there they’re always happy and they have nothing,” said Sheneil.

She wanted to go to Africa to help people there get an education.

“Help them get what I have,” said Sheneil.

Brittany Smith, a Grade 11 student, was impressed by all the community service present in helping to build the school. She said she has already started fundraising for an orphanage through her church.

“I feel like I haven’t given them enough,” said Sheneil, and added she has been thinking about joining Habitat for Humanity. “I just want to help people more now, people in need.”

Mr. White said he wishes he could have had this experience as a teenager because it has the potential to positively impact lives.

Keyword: kidshelp