Dirty laundry and access to electricity are just some of the issues or problems that impact many people living in homelessness across the island of Montreal. The Macrobotz team from Macdonald High School accepted the challenge to solve these problems by designing and building an active, creative, and sustainable solution…Introducing “Green Cycle 1.0”!

The purpose of this project was to support the local homeless population with access to clean laundry. Students aimed to help solve problems related to energy scarcity across Montreal and the entire process from deciding on a product/service/or event was a student-led initiative. They were able to take advantage of available resources at their school to design and build a finished, functional prototype for their bike-powered washing machine.

The design of the prototype was conceived by the students from the Lego Robotics team, known as Macrobotz (a first year team at the school). Most of the parts, including the bicycles, wheels, barrels, and bearings were obtained through donations from the school and external communities. The welding, modifications, assembly of the prototype, and painting were carried out in the robotics/machine lab at the school.

The whole project was a resounding achievement where students identified a real-world problem and decided to take action. Their project had an immense effect on those in need and should be an invaluable resource for years to come.

The students of Dalbe-Viau High School helped create and establish a friendly basketball tournament for all students during their lunch break. The tournament was a great chance for students who are not currently apart of any school sports teams to participate in a healthy activity which promotes exercise and having fun!

The tournament itself was arranged to help encourage a healthy lifestyle and required students to assist with the planning, rules and organization of the event. The project was designed to host up to 50 different students across several teams all competing for 1st place in the tournament. Being able to invite and include many classmates, who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to participate, showed great leadership and was the perfect way to help spark new friendships!

While there can be only one champion, I think everyone would agree that all participants were winners. The Basketball Tournament project was great for team-building and will hopefully be back next year!

Following last year’s success, the Jeunes Leaders en Action committee at St. Georges High School set their sights on organizing a week-long festival dedicated to protecting the environment. This green initiative included informative kiosks, an eco-friendly ‘lunch box challenge’, interactive activities, food tastings, games and much more. All in an effort to help promote their important message of establishing eco-friendly lifestyles!

More than 25 students took part in the ‘green week’ project and quickly began researching about creating their own garden to attract monarch butterflies, bees as well as other important organisms for the eco-system. Students also helped establish a large ‘clean-up’ on school grounds.

At the end of the year, volunteers were able to be part of the youth delegation taking part in the climate change summit in Quebec City. Without a doubt, students learned more about the different environmental issues of today and further developed their eco-conscience.