Trades students at Okanagan College have collaborated on a unique project for a good cause. 

Several groups of trades students worked to convert a shipping container into a model literacy centre that will be stationed in Kelowna. 

Photo Credit: Okanagan College.

Photo Credit: Okanagan College.

“This project has been so great for us and our students,” says Teresa Kisilevich, Associate Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship. 

“We had carpentry students and staff build the windows, front entrance and roof. Our Women in Trades students built a book collection box, and students from School District 23’s Central School built bookshelves. As much as possible, we used recycled materials, making this a meaningful project on so many levels.”

Photo Credit: Okanagan College.

While the project will remain at its permanent location in the Evangel Church, the idea is modeled after similar literacy centres that are built and shipped to Uganda Niteo Africa Society. 

The public is able to donate new or gently-used, English language book to the centre as long as the material is age appropriate for a number of groups from toddlers to teens.

Encyclopedias and magazines cannot be accepted.

Photo Credit: Okanagan College.

The grand opening of the Global Child Literacy Centre will take place this Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. – 2p.m. in the parking lot of Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Drive, in Kelowna.