Recreation and Leisure students Andrea DeVries (left), Sarah Veenhof (second right) and Gabrielle Falkowski (right), and their professor Devin Richardson are ready to deliver sporting equipment to children in Honduras. The equipment was purchased using funds raised as part of their Rec and Leisure class late last year.
For children in many parts of the world where resources are scarce, the simple act of playing games like soccer or Frisbee is luxury they never get to experience.
A group of Niagara College Recreation and Leisure Services students are hoping to help change that. Along with their professor Devin Richardson, they have bags packed with sporting and recreation equipment ready to be delivered to children in need when arrive in Honduras as part of a College International Field Study.
The equipment – soccer balls, jerseys, Frisbees, cleats and more – was purchased with funds raised by Recreation and Leisure students for a class late last year.
“Because Honduras is a third-word country, a lot of the children don’t get the privilege to play games and activities that need equipment, like soccer, baseball, Frisbee, etc.,” said second-year Recreation and Leisure student Sara Veenhof, who is among a group of 16 students from the College – three from her program – departing for Honduras. “When we were creating our fundraiser we thought about the changes we would make in these children’s lives.”
Recreation and Leisure students will be joined by students from the College’s Recreation Therapy and Social Service Worker programs on the International Field Study from Feb. 27 to March 6. The trip will offer students opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to make a difference in a high poverty community. Students will stay at the Hope Centre in Honduras, which is a home and refuge for sick, needy and abandoned local children.
During their stay, the Rec and Leisure students will host soccer tournaments and other recreation activities for local children. Students from the group will also compare government policies on issues related to poverty, mental health and addiction; meet with relatives of street gang members discuss gangs, violence and drugs; assist where needed (painting, building); and help local students with homework during their stay.
“What sparked my interest in the Honduras trip was doing something I have never done before and being able to help someone in need and experiencing it,” said second-year Rec and Leisure student Gabrielle Falkowski. “To be able to see the smiles on the kids’ faces and know how much they appreciate all we have done for them will make me feel so good about what I have done.”
Richardson said that that his students will benefit from being exposed to the culture in Honduras, and get a taste of what life is like there including the challenges that come with a high level of poverty and crime. “The students will have an opportunity to help children with limited access to recreation and make a difference. Getting young kids in Honduras involved with recreation and sport can push them in positive directions,” he said. “Opening their eyes to what happens in Honduras will benefit them as they move forward in their careers here. They can be proud and passionate about what they are doing.”
Recreation Therapy professor Christine Wilkinson said she is thrilled that the experience was available to her students.
“With days devoted to topics and tours related to mental health, women’s issues, and poverty, along with the opportunity for our students to organize recreational events for the local community, this will provide an unparalleled learning opportunity,” said Wilkinson. “The icing on the cake will be for the Recreation and Leisure Services students who raised funds in the fall to be able to hand-deliver the recreation equipment that they purchased for the local community. What a great full-circle learning and life experience.”
Be World Ready
International Field Studies are becoming increasingly popular at Niagara College. Study and Work Abroad coordinator Joanne Maltby Perrone noted that the experiences are being embraced by students and faculty alike.
“Participating in international field studies sets our students apart. They increase their competency and understanding of the world and other cultures,” she said. “They learn to apply their areas of expertise in a different place, and they learn to be more culturally aware. This flexible mindset will be an asset not only when they travel but in dealing with diverse communities right here at home.”
The trip is one of several International Field Study experiences underway for Reading Week 2016 supported by the College’s Be World Ready program. Groups of NC students are also bound for Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, New York City and London. Justice Studies students participating in a Me to We Volunteer experience in Nicaragua during Reading Week are also supported by Be World Ready.
Students who participate in International Field Study, Study Abroad, or Work Abroad experiences are eligible to apply for a $500 Be World Ready travel grant. For information visit studyworkabroad.niagaracollege.ca
