Vincent Massey Collegiate
Contact Info:
975 Dowker Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3T 1R7
SWinstanley@PembinaTrails.ca
When students at Vincent Massey Collegiate took a course about sustainability, they decided to begin a plan of action to change the energy consumption of their school. They formed a group called the Sustainable Development Committee and began to focus their energy on – ENERGY.
The students began research on an Alternative Energy Array for their school. They investigated the potential for a green roof with solar panels as well as wind energy solutions. Their hard work and confidence paid off. In 2007 the group won first place at the Plan Your Winnipeg competition and won $5000 for their project. Since then, they have raised over $20, 000 to put their plan into action. Their solution communicated a message that sustainability is practical and attainable for schools. Their project Riding the Winds of Change has stirred up a lot of energy. Less than a year later, the school ordered their wind turbine.
The students that began the club will eventually graduate from Vincent Massey, but the club they created will likely continue. Because of their dedication, the project has support from school administrators and government funders. After their debut at Plan Your Winnipeg the project received a lot of media coverage and put this school on the Winnipeg Green Map (website update in process).
Vincent Massey students help illustrate how children in charge can be a powerful tool for creating change. The success and support this school has now is thanks to the dedication of students who were committed to environmental stewardship.
Photo Credit:
Super Student Group
Want to know more about Vincent Massey School, AEA, or other projects at their school?
http://www.masseysdc.org/