The 4th Annual YouthBuild Day took place on April 25 in our local Lanark Park, where young people worked together to develop and enhance part of their community. Students from two other YouthBuild sites joined our RUTH students for a sunny day of collaborative leadership and community service.
One major highlight from YouthBuild Day was the Empowerment Garden and Pop-Up Library, constructed, painted, and developed by students from all three YouthBuild sites in a collaborative effort to create a meaningful space for their community. Together, students built a pop-up library under the supervision of professional construction personnel and donated books to furnish it. Other students planted seeds for various fruits and vegetables in the Empowerment Garden.
Alongside a BBQ – served by our students – staff and youth alike enjoyed games and dancing in between their contributions to these community service projects. The afternoon culminated with awards recognizing young leaders in the program who have shown exceptional leadership development and teamwork. We can’t wait for the next YouthBuild Day in 2018!