THUNDER BAY – The KZ Lodge students at Hammarskjold High School have been working this past year to finish building their tiny home.
Bonnie Krysowaty, coordinator of the Thunder Bay poverty reduction strategy that has the tiny homes committee attached to it, said these students will have a head start after high school.
“It’s amazing. They’re learning skills and trades while getting tickets for their accomplishments.
“They’ll have a lot of expertise to be able to gain employment or go into future programs.”
Krysowaty said it takes the students about eight months to complete a tiny home.
The tiny home that was just completed by the students will go to Ginoogaming First Nation.
“It’s life-changing for somebody that gains the housing. But also, it shows different housing options that are available in communities.
“It shows that collaboration is important to increase housing options,” Krysowaty said.
Way less absence is happening and graduation rate is almost at 100 per cent, she said.
“The principal has reported to me that these youth are having more fun in school.
“They’re learning and having fun at the same time. I think that speaks for itself.”
Joel Hardy, a 2024 Hammarskjold graduate, said it felt quite good to know that their hard work will change someone’s life in an incredible way.
“I like the teamwork and the communication that we built along the way,” Hardy said.
Ashley Ashreekakegam, a Hammarskjold student, is so excited to show off the tiny home.
“We work on them the entire year and I feel like our hard work has been paid off. Now these are going to be shipped off to communities to help people in need,” she said.
Ashreekakegam said her favourite part of this experience was working with her schoolmates and doing things that not many people get to experience in their high school years.
“I’m going to be in this class next year. I’m excited to finish up the house and build another one,” she said
Leland Waboose, another Hammarskjold student, remembers where it began.
“I remember when we first started from scratch - it was nothing but boards and plywood.
“The hands-on experience – hammering, drilling and cutting. It’s amazing when you imagine where you started and where you finished.
“As long as you stay consistent, the project will come together,” he said.
Waboose said it can be looked at as an achievement. “You’ve done something good for somebody.
“I’m excited because I’ve came a long way. Learning measurements and everything - this new skill is something that has made an impact in my life in a positive way,” he said.
