Axtla, Mexico Service Project
SERVICE PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
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Berens River, Manitoba
2009 trip information
See past pictures here
Each summer Ernescliff sponsors a group of students for a social service project on a Native reserve located at Berens River, in northern Manitoba.
The students do manual work during the day, and in the evenings they tutor children in catechism, English and math. The poverty evident on the reservation and the great challenges the children face in order to make something of their lives serve as a stimulus for the students to make good use of the opportunities their own situations provide.
Cedarcrest Work Camp
2009 camp information
See past pictures here
Each summer, high school students entering Grade 10 may take part in a service project that Ernescliff organizes at Cedarcrest, a retreat and conference centre in Belfountain, Ontario.
In the mornings the volunteers do manual work such as gardening and landscaping, painting, etc. This work can count towards high school community service hours.
In the afternoons there are leadership sessions for the students, including sessions on public speaking. Sports, excursions, movies and discussions on cinema appreciation provide a well-rounded program.
Social Service Project: Axtla de Terrazas, Mexico
2009 trip information
See past pictures here
Ernescliff also organizes an annual summer service project to Axtla de Terrazas, a small village in Mexico located half way between Monterrey and Mexico City. Our group joins students from the Monte Real Centre of Monterrey, who have been running this project for several years.
Participants experience first-hand contact with a different human and social environment and have an opportunity to serve the local people with their work. The participants do manual work and visit people in need. In the evenings they also tutor local children.
Future project possibilities may include working in a traveling clinic or helping farmers to diversify their agricultural products, as well as some educational initiatives.
Academic and Sports Enrichment (ASE) Summer Program
The Academic and Sports Enrichment (ASE) Program is a seven-week, intensive program in Regent Park that aims to provide inner-city youths in Grades 4 to 8 with one-on-one mentoring and tutoring. The program involves teaching the children math and English, organizing and refereeing sports games, and accompanying them on various field trips, all with a focus on character development. It is a very rewarding experience.
ASE is an ideal experience for those who are interested in a career in teaching or in the non-profit sector. For more information please visit the Toronto Youth Development website or contact Executive Director Brian Keaney.