Boomtown Christmas was chilly, but wow, did our town ever shine! A heartfelt thank-you to the Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce for organizing another magical festive event, and to every business,...
SaskToday Article: "The newly rebranded Hello Sask International program, formerly known as The Chinook International program, has been bringing students to the area since 2006 and is looking to welcome more.
According to Lindsay Alliban, program director, places international students in both the Prairie South School division and a portion of the Chinook School division, including Eastend, Consul and Hazlet.
"There is opportunity for more schools to host, as their principals and communities wish," said Alliban.
The program is actively seeking host families for Grade 10 and 11 students from Brazil, who will be participating in three-, five-, or 10-month programs during the regular school year, from September to June. These students, aged 15-18, will have the opportunity to experience life as part of Canadian society.
Alliban notes that many students who participate in the program often return with their families and friends to visit the area. The host families are compensated through the program, and the students themselves contribute to the local economy by spending money within the community. The smaller communities of Eastend, Consul and Hazlet have seen significant economic benefits from the program. In Hazlet, the program has had a long-standing positive impact on the community, with students paying host families monthly, participating in local events and shopping at local stores.
Alliban has personal experience with the program and knows how the program can help open doors to new experiences and relationships with students from around the world.
"I was a student in Hazlet School when this program began, so I know first-hand how much of an impact it made in my life, and not just the fact there were more students in my classroom," she explained. "It also opened doors to travel to many places in the world to visit students I have gotten to know through their placements in Hazlet or other communities."
The program has also given the community of Hazlet, which has a population of just 100 people, a huge international following. When asked why students continue to choose this southern part of the province, Alliban explains that it's an opportunity for families and students to learn about each other's cultures through food, games, conversations and traditions. Students from large cities enjoy the simple things that Saskatchewan has to offer, including farm experiences and the quiet, restful setting of a smaller rural setting.
But in order to bring those students to Southern Saskatchewan, the program will require host families to step forward. For those interested in becoming involved, either as a host family or school division, they can contact Alliban at 1-306-741-3775 or by email at lindsay.alliban@gmail.com ."
Read the full article here: https://www.sasktoday.ca/southwest/hello-sask-looking-for-host-families-11542603