COMMUNITY COLLABORATION BRINGS NEW BUS STOP SHELTER TO WHOVILLE

The idea for the project was first sparked when local resident Mike Mitchell built a small shelter to protect neighborhood children from the elements while waiting for their school buses. What began as a thoughtful gesture soon grew into a collaborative effort to provide a more permanent solution for local children.

Through a partnership between MCA's Community Support Program and the Iohahi:io Pathways to Trades Program, students had the opportunity to further develop their carpentry skills while bringing this project to life. With guidance from their instructors and support staff, they worked together to build a new bus stop shelter that will provide a safe and comfortable place for children to wait for their buses, especially during the colder months.

The project provided students with an opportunity to strengthen their skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while putting their classroom learning into practice and making a positive contribution to their community.

MCA would like to recognize and thank everyone who helped bring this project to life:

• Mike Mitchell – Community Member
• Dan Bruyere – MCA Community Support
• Amanda Cook – Iohahi:io Pathways Manager
• Ron Lazore – Trades Coordinator
• Dan Pyke – Instructor
• Alison Henderson – Instructor Assistant
• Sabrina Sunday – Trades Helper
• Andrew Cook – Akwesasne FabLab, for creating the shelter's sign

A special congratulations and nia:wen goes out to the participating students in the Iohahi:io Pathway to Trades Program: Raiden Bush Garrow, Raroniahhawi Lazore, Kysen Burns, Janie Johnson, Clayden Johnson, Kolby Smoke, and Charlie Sunday.

You should all be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished! Every time a child waits comfortably for their school bus in the shelter you created, your hard work will continue to make a difference.

Initiatives like this demonstrate the impact of hands-on learning and community collaboration, giving students the opportunity to develop important skills while using them to make positive contributions to Akwesasne. We look forward to seeing the great work these students will continue to accomplish and the difference they will make in our community.