Social Service Worker students deliver workshop to high school students

Feb. 4, 2016

Amy Taylor, Kavienne Delahaye-Juhmi, and Erin Wrigglesworth were nervous but excited to deliver the workshop they had been preparing for weeks through the Community Projects Initiative in the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. As Grade 9 students from Twin Lakes Secondary School filed into the gym, the Social Service Worker students handed them bags with worry rocks, rally towels and pamphlets about local community services.

Amy started the workshop by announcing: “We’re here representing Huronia Transition Homes and today is the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women.”

After watching a thought-provoking video about unhealthy relationships, participants broke into smaller groups. “What kinds of abuse do you know about?” Amy asked her group.

Through games, play and discussion, the high schoolers learned the signs of abuse and developed individual safety plans. They participated in a guided meditation with the worry rocks, then Amy invited them all to swing their rally towels and shout “I am an activist!” As the high school students filed out, they signed a canvas – their pledge to stop the cycle of abuse.

Amy, Kavienne and Erin were pleased with the outcome of their community project. “The goal for today is to educate the students about what makes a healthy relationship and what makes an unhealthy one – and to help them understand the different types of abuse,” explains Kavienne, a mother of three from Innisfil.

“My son is in Grade 9, so this hits home,” she explains. “It’s important to teach young men and women about healthy relationships – and to give them the tools and information they need to make good decisions.”

Kavienne enjoyed partnering with her classmates. “Through this project we’ve learned so much: problem solving, conflict resolution, collaboration and how to work together. It’s all about being a changemaker – working for a social cause. I think that’s what makes Georgian unique. Not all college students do this kind of work. I feel like we’re really leading social change.”

Kavienne has loved the environment and hands-on learning offered at Georgian’s Orillia Campus. “I was a stay-at-home mom for five years, so at first the thought of going to college made me nervous – but so far I love the school. The teachers are awesome. They offer so much support.”