EASTERN Student Leads Building Block Project for Primary School in Kenya

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Construction Technology/Abington High School senior, John O'Riordan, has chosen a unique venture for his senior project – to make building blocks for Katamoy Primary School in Kenya.

Earlier this year, John asked Mary Rodgers, Abington High School’s Service Learning Facilitator, for some senior project suggestions.  Knowing that John is in his second year of Construction Technology at EASTERN, Ms. Rodgers suggested the building block project using scrap lumber from EASTERN’s Construction Technology program.

Last summer, Ms. Rodgers accompanied a group of students and parents from Abington High School on a community service trip to the Rift Valley in Kenya.  The communities in this area are very poor and the primary schools do not have any educational toys.  The building blocks idea came to Ms. Rodgers since it would provide a creative outlet for students that is non-mechanical and requires no batteries or maintenance. At the time of her visit, the only toy available was a ball made of paper bags and tape.

John, with the support of his EASTERN Construction Technology Instructor, Jeff Pakula, has recruited his EASTERN classmates to assist in his efforts.   Ms. Rodgers provided John with the template, so the building blocks will be in the shape of columns, triangles, squares and rectangles.  Ms. Rodgers will be bringing the blocks back to the school in Kenya this summer.

“This is a great and useful way to recycle the scrap wood for creative and educational purposes,” said John.  “I am proud to be a part of this project and I appreciate all of the support I have received from EASTERN and Abington High School.”

EASTERN’s Construction Technology program is the first step for students interested in pursuing a successful career in the carpentry field. Career objectives include Carpenter Pre-Apprentice, Exterior Remodeling and Installation, and Roofing and Siding Helper.

EASTERN is a public school serving students in nine Eastern Montgomery County school districts. Those districts include Abington, Bryn Athyn, Cheltenham, Hatboro-Horsham, Jenkintown, Lower Moreland, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland. Students benefit from specialized career programs that give them a competitive edge in college or in a career.  The campus is at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. For more information, please contact Amy Shields, Organizational Advancement Director, at 215-784-4806, or visit the school’s website at www.eastech.org.  Like Us?  Become a fan on Facebook – www.Facebook.com/EasternCenter