ALSO Saskatoon students participated in MCC's CHALO! programming today and explored some social issues affecting the Saskatoon area. This was to provide a context for their volunteer experiences over the next three days. The day began with a snowy trip to the MCC Centre in Saskatoon where the MCC staff lead some exercises that helped students understand the damaging effects of stereotypes and 'single stories' when we think about people that are different than us.
-The MCC Staffers: Becca, Myriam, and Kaytee did a great job!-
After these workshops we were introduced to two speakers (and former gang members) from the STR8-UP rehabilitation program in Saskatoon, the only of its kind in the city. They shared some heart-felt stories about their past and how and why they got involved in gang life. These stories put a personal face on some of the issues that face many young people in the province, and reminded us that addictions and crime affect us all so we must all be part of the solution.
-STR8-UP leader Stan along with Dave and Shane-
Following a quick lunch we traveled downtown and completed a 'race for survival' simulation game where different students assumed the role of different people and had to complete some tasks within their role. This helped us see how life can be much different when viewed from a different point of view, and how cold it can be to be 'on the street'.
-Dria, Nicole, and Terry complete their 'Race for Survival'-
After journaling at the MCC Centre and some discussion about the afternoon activity we returned home to RJC. Tomorrow we will begin our service assignments at Habitat for Humanity, Farm-in-the-Dell, and Saskatoon community schools.
