Fort Lauderdale’s High School’s Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders program volunteered with the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity on November 28 in Fort Lauderdale. 

MTL is a peer-to-peer mentoring program where upperclassmen are paired with underclassmen to serve as a friend and role model. The program aims to improve mentees’ personal, social, and academic growth while improving community partnerships. 

Habitat for Humanity works to build affordable housing for families in need across 70 countries including the United States. The idea to partner with them was Lauren Wilder’s (12), and she put the event together.

 “I reached out, and they were the only people to email back. They were flexible and worked with our schedule,” she said. 

MTL advisor Ms. James expressed why she believed this opportunity was one MTL thought was important to pursue.

 “Although homeownership is difficult for many families because of a dramatic hike in prices over the past several years, I understand that being a homeowner has great benefits and commend any organization geared towards making it attainable for all residents.” 

 James also believes that beside the inherent purpose of homes, they also contribute to better physical health and student grades. 

The members of MTL were in charge of painting the roof fascia of a home that Habitat for Humanity is building. This activity benefitted both the community and students. While students were physically improving the community, they were also gaining skills and learning how valuable voluntary work is. 

“It was meant to give them the experience of doing something voluntary that would go towards a greater cause,” Ms. James stated. “It also exposed them to the concept of homeownership and sweat equity, which they all gained an appreciation for.”

Students second this sentiment. 

“I learned that it’s good to make connections with people for opportunities later in life,” Vladimir Canois(12) commented. “Being able to help those in need was really a great take away. It required quite a lot of communication.” 

Wilder has expressed interest in collaborating with this organization again because she has learned a lot from the experience. 

“Going out and helping the community, doing something that matters. We learned that it’s the little things we can do to help people that matter that most,” she said. “I was surprised to learn how many people it takes to build a house.” 

Fort Lauderdale High School is very proud of the work MTL is doing in the community and excited to witness their future projects.