For Immediate Release: 03.02.10
A total of 15 students from Rainbow Schools will leave for Costa Rica on March 8, 2010 to install more solar LED lighting systems in some of the poorest and most remote areas of Costa Rica. The Rainbow Schools Light Up the World project, which began seven years ago under the leadership of David Wiwchar, has now expanded to include youth from Lively District Secondary School, Lasalle Secondary School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School and Manitoulin Secondary School as well as teachers Heather Hall and Michael Zegil.
Students and teachers involved in the project commend the communities of Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin for their ongoing support, with a total of $10,000 raised this year. Donations toward the lighting systems, at a cost of $200 each, and sponsorship of student travel is enabling young people in Rainbow Schools to experience the joy of volunteering as they meet their graduation requirement of 40 hours of community service.
“Project partners have joined together, raised funds, and spread the gift of light at an ever increasing rate,” says Wiwchar. “Along with the Light Up The World www.lutw.org partners, YMCA service clubs of Canada and NGOs in Costa Rica, lighting systems have been installed in 540 homes benefitting over 2,700 people or 12 per cent of those living beyond the reach of the electrical grid.”
The 2010 journey to Costa Rica will include visits to an Organic Farm Co-operative that specializes in chocolate production and a working farm that demonstrates environmentally sustainable agriculture. Students will learn about sustainable development first-hand as they install renewable energy systems that save families 30 per cent of their monthly income while providing clean bright light to study by in the evenings.
A total of 85 students have participated in the Costa Rica excursion since the launch of the project. “These students have lived an incredible volunteer experience, bringing light to hundreds of children and families in the rainforest,” says Wiwchar.
For more information about the project and photos from the 2009 installations, including an image of a father sharing his first moments under solar LED light with his son, visit www.lutw.org/Costa/Rica.
-30-
Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.
Light Up Costa Rica 2010 – Rainbow Students install more lighting systems
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| Tracey Smith of Lively District Secondary School and Vice-Principal David Wiwchar visit a child who is now able to study thanks to the solar LED lighting system installed by students in Rainbow Schools. “This is Miriam's son,” says Wiwchar. “Her family was one of the first I ever visited in the Indigenous Reserves of Costa Rica in January 2000. My 2009 visit was a joyous reunion. I was thrilled to install a panel on her home to benefit her and her children. | Manitoulin Secondary School student Cassandra McColeman works on a lighting system with guide Guillermo Ayub. |
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| Students from Rainbow Schools backpack in the mountainous regions of Costa Rica, where they installed 100 LED lighting systems during the 2009 March Break. |
Reaching minds. Touching hearts: A child in Costa Rica thanks Samantha Davidson of Lasalle Secondary School for bringing her the gift of light. |
A total of 15 students from Rainbow Schools will leave for Costa Rica on March 8, 2010 to install more solar LED lighting systems in some of the poorest and most remote areas of Costa Rica. The Rainbow Schools Light Up the World project, which began seven years ago under the leadership of David Wiwchar, has now expanded to include youth from Lively District Secondary School, Lasalle Secondary School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School and Manitoulin Secondary School as well as teachers Heather Hall and Michael Zegil.
Students and teachers involved in the project commend the communities of Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin for their ongoing support, with a total of $10,000 raised this year. Donations toward the lighting systems, at a cost of $200 each, and sponsorship of student travel is enabling young people in Rainbow Schools to experience the joy of volunteering as they meet their graduation requirement of 40 hours of community service.
“Project partners have joined together, raised funds, and spread the gift of light at an ever increasing rate,” says Wiwchar. “Along with the Light Up The World www.lutw.org partners, YMCA service clubs of Canada and NGOs in Costa Rica, lighting systems have been installed in 540 homes benefitting over 2,700 people or 12 per cent of those living beyond the reach of the electrical grid.”
The 2010 journey to Costa Rica will include visits to an Organic Farm Co-operative that specializes in chocolate production and a working farm that demonstrates environmentally sustainable agriculture. Students will learn about sustainable development first-hand as they install renewable energy systems that save families 30 per cent of their monthly income while providing clean bright light to study by in the evenings.
A total of 85 students have participated in the Costa Rica excursion since the launch of the project. “These students have lived an incredible volunteer experience, bringing light to hundreds of children and families in the rainforest,” says Wiwchar.
For more information about the project and photos from the 2009 installations, including an image of a father sharing his first moments under solar LED light with his son, visit www.lutw.org/Costa/Rica.
-30-
Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.
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