The TSE2021 was the first year we ran the program as a true social innovation experience. Using the framework of the UN SDGs, students explored the issue of homelessness, specifically youth homelessness. They were tremendously moved and affected by speakers who had experienced homelessness and practioners who work in the field. The ideas the students, working in small groups, developed were thoughtful and appropriate and signalled to us the value of bringing these ideas into the school so the students can further explore the issues and potential solutions.
A key element of the program is fun so students experienced the thrills of treetop trekking - a way to try something new and support each other as a team.
We ran this program as a hybrid with a few days online and the rest in person. Students and instructors and mentors were all amazingly flexible and resilient as we adjusted for a new way of delivering the TSE.
Check out the video of TSE2021!
If you want to be amazed at the way our students shared their ideas and solutions with their peers, parents and TSE instructors, watch the full Zoom final showcase below.
The students worked on a number of ways to address homelessness including:
- creating a basic needs kit for people living homeless
- designing a new kind of pop up housing option
- proposing a mentor program for people experiencing homelessness and those who have lived experience
- planning an education program for teachers to better understand the root causes of homelessness and to gain awareness of the issues to support students in need
Check out some of our COHORT 2021 Participants's final projects:
