It was almost a throw-away story by an excursion guide as our bus raced through Prince Edward Island on the way to see the house made famous in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables. The visit was memorable as was the area that inspired the author’s imagination. Her famous novel introduced readers to a precocious young woman who is daring, outspoken, and strong. Anne Shirley was young but made a difference. Children in that age were expected to work, to do necessary chores, and to carry part of the load of making life work in their homes and community.
We enjoyed our visit, but I couldn’t help but think about how young people today need to get off their phones and experience adventure, time with friends, and a chance to make a difference in the lives of others and their community.
Our guide told a brief story about the teens on Prince Edward Island who were doing just that. Like many urban areas, she talked about the challenge Charlottetown was facing in securing adequate housing for those who were moving into the area. There weren’t enough houses and not enough construction workers and investors to build the homes that were needed. They were meeting less than half of the need in the community, but where would help come from? An innovative project in shop classes at local high schools was coming to the rescue.
Instead of building birdhouses and jewelry boxes few would ever use, shop students at Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside have been and continue to build tiny homes in class each year. At the end of the year, students had worked to build a 16 by 20 foot tiny home that the city hopes to use for temporary housing.
It's a full-scale house with bathroom and solar power for electricity. It started with an idea, and by November of the first year, the supplies needed began arriving. With trained consultation by builders and teachers, nail by nail the students constructed the wood structures.
Just as impressive has been the impact on the students participating. One student, Brayden Doucette confided that the carpentry instructor, Robert Corkum, was “the best teacher I've ever had.” It has inspired the young man to pursue the construction trade.
Devin Cormier, an 11th Grade student, bragged about being involved, "It's quite interesting. I haven't really been a part of something this big before, so it's neat. I can't sit at a desk for very long, so anything to get me outside and doing work is a bonus.” Cormier was first interested in a culinary career before participating in this project. Now, he, too, looks forward to a future in carpentry.
Young women are joining in the challenge. Mallory Rochford admits, “Everybody's pretty driven and sometimes we have some little mishaps, but we're all learning so it's pretty awesome.”
Because the project is conducted outside the school, weather in the area can put a damper on progress, but their teachers hope that the tiny homes will be as close to finished as possible by the end of each school year.
Even if not, carpentry instructor Corkum reminds them that some things are more important than finishing. He shares with the students involved, "I sometimes joke with them, and I tell them that while their friends are in English class or social studies class, we're here building like the real world." He’s proud of the many students who now plan on careers in the carpenter trade. There is a big need in the area and a real opportunity for those with the skills and the motivation to take advantage of that opportunity.
Many high schools across the Island are now also building tiny homes this year. According to the area Housing Minister, Rob Lantz, there is still no concrete plan for how they'll be used. The most often mentioned idea involves creating a tiny home community that could help people in need of affordable housing. Lantz adds, "They're producing a product that we badly need at this time and we're training our future workforce." Yes, the homes they get excited about building now could mean far more homes in the future coming from a workforce that is home grown.
Maybe, communities in America could learn from our Canadian neighbors to the North. There is a strong need for short-term temporary housing in many urban cities. The influx of millions of illegal aliens has just exploded that need. Let’s allow the youth of America to become part of the answer. There are nearly 1,300 high schools in California alone. That is a lot of students who could be making a significant difference. Could you see challenging your high school’s shop instructor to take on the challenge of building one or more tiny homes every year?
Where do we put them? Let’s set aside areas that can be modeled after the tiny home communities already in existence and thriving in many urban areas. There are communities in Albuquerque, Detroit, Madison, and many other cities. With many tiny homes in each small community, people now have a place to live and transition into their own American Dream.
It’s obvious that those students involved in Canada are feeling the satisfaction of a meaningful project that actually serves people in need. It has also introduced them to the trades. Not all students can or should go to college. There are very meaningful jobs in construction that are both satisfying and lucrative for those who embrace that career.
With the elections less than a month away, it’s all too easy to look to politicians in our states or Washington for the answers to the challenges we face. But the most important and meaningful answers often happen locally when people get involved in finding workable solutions. Getting students and adults involved in building tiny homes is one such solution worth considering.
Are there any high schools in your area ready to meet the challenge and give this idea a try? America needs schools and energized youth ready to help invent the future of this great country.
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, professional speaker, and author of The Optimism Advantage and his new political novel, The Summit. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.