Since its launch in the Autumn of 2006, The Habitat for Humanity Good Relations and Citizenship Programme has provided an opportunity for young people to work together, challenging stereotypes and creating greater awareness of the global challenges facing us all.
The programme brings together students from diverse backgrounds for two classroom sessions, a fundraising challenge and one day of building on site. Classroom discussions are designed to encourage and motivate students to objectively consider the factors influencing their society and then to demonstrate the role they can have in bringing about positive change as local and global citizens.
Each group is given a fundraising challenge of £1235, this is the average cost of a Habitat home in the developing world. Fundraising to support families in need of decent shelter is a practical way the young people can put what they have learned during the classroom discussions into action.
Undertaking a fundraiser is also a great way for young people to gain new skills in teamwork, event management and marketing.
In recent years schools and youth groups who have participated in the schools programme have raised over £40,000 Which is the equivalent more than 30 homes.
The Programme Structure
Workshop 1: - Exploring Poverty, Social Justice and Conflict
This workshop includes:
• An introduction to Habitat for Humanity
• Group introductions and pre-site team building
• Exploring issues around poverty and social justice
• Connecting links between poverty and conflict in different parts of the world
Construction Day - Social Justice in Action
A full day of building on a HFNNI construction site, including:
• Health and safety induction
• Learning new skills
• Having fun with new friends
• Discussions on social justice in action and community development
Workshop 2: - Citizenship and Models of Active Participation
This workshop includes:
• Citizenship: From home to the global community
• Discussing issues that affect young people and their roles in making a difference
• Exploring creative and collaborative ways to fundraise money to build a house in the developing world
If your school or youth organisation would like to take part or would like more information, please email localni@habitatni.co.uk or contact Clare Orr (ext.209) or Victoria Trimble (ext.201) on 90243686.
Image Gallery
Schools and Youth - Habitat NI's Schools and Youth programme has engaged hundreds of young people through workshop based learning and on site practical skill bu...
Testimonials
- "The work of Habitat is far more than simply building a house- it's building a community, defending basic human rights & bringing hope to individuals"
Church Youth leader Paul Francis
- "I went with the idea we would be changing the lives of the people. They gave us more than we could ever return."
RBAI Student GV 2010
- "Habitat for Humanity believes in putting faith into action. As the walls go up, many invisible walls come down and new hope is built ..."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
- "Our Christian duty was to reach out a hand to our neighbour, end living separate lives & foster an opportunity for two communities to come together"
Local and Global volunteer Tim Morrow
- "We can do our homework without problems as our new home has enough light during the day and our belongings will not get wet anymore when it rains"
Orphan homeowner Malawi
Video Gallery
Schools and Youth - Habitat NI's Schools and Youth programme has engaged hundreds of young people through workshop based learning and on site practical skill bu...