This past winter term, 10 Redeemer University students took on the challenge of making Hamilton a better place for the next generation to live, learn and play. Two student groups in Redeemer’s culminating interdisciplinary project course (CTS-410) worked with local organizations to develop ideas and solutions to problems concerning children and youth.

CTS-410 places fourth year students in interdisciplinary teams to wrestle with current relevant issues and challenges. Students build their analytical, project management, team work and presentation skills while developing innovative solutions to real world problems. CTS-410 is part of Redeemer’s core curriculum, a set of 10 required interdisciplinary courses that prepare undergraduate students to think broadly, critically and innovatively.

Shaping Safer School Routes

The first research project, “The Daily School Route: Reviewing the Route to Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School,” was completed by Baylee Summerfield, Caleb Joosse, Geordan Rennie, Mackenzie Oosterhof and Samantha Korvemaker. The students partnered with Daily School Route (DSR), an initiative by nonprofit Bike for Mike, to propose improvements for a safe, convenient and attractive student route directly through Redeemer’s campus, connecting Klein Circle and Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School (ICCES). As part of their research efforts, the team hosted a campus workshop for 50 Grade 5 ICCES students, giving the students a chance to share how they think their route to school could become safer, more convenient and more fun.

Korvemaker, fourth-year art and psychology student, says that through participating in this project, she learned the value of working with people from other disciplines and skill sets. Additionally, she shared that her group enjoyed learning about topics—active transportation and children’s safety—they had never studied before.

It was wonderful working with Redeemer students on this project. Throughout the semester they remained curious and on task, always placing the perspectives of the communities we’re engaging with at the centre.

“We were given a new perspective on how children see our urban landscapes with shorter legs and curious eyes, and were therefore able to recognize the importance of designing their route to school to fit their needs and offer educational opportunities,” says Korvemaker.

Daniel Chong, program manager at DSR, is grateful for the students’ many insights, particularly the idea of meeting spots along the school route. This was validating for DSR, as this was an option already under consideration. On April 22, Redeemer students shared their findings with Ward 12 Hamilton city councillor Craig Cassar, and DSR will continue to use their recommendations as a jumping-off point for further work on this project and others like it.

“It was wonderful working with Redeemer students on this project,” says Chong. “Throughout the semester they remained curious and on task, always placing the perspectives of the communities we’re engaging with at the centre.”

Building Youth-Driven Spaces

The second research project, “Youth-Driven Spaces: Designing the Future of Rec Centres,” was completed by Rachel Annett, Evan Braam, Leah Siebenga, Connor VanMinnen and Ben Van Santen in collaboration with CityLab, an innovation hub partnership between the City of Hamilton, Mohawk College, McMaster University and Redeemer University. Alongside two student groups from Mohawk, these students investigated how young engagement in Hamilton can shape the design and programs of future recreation centres and wellness hubs, with a special focus on rural communities.

It was also a great learning experience as we got to see how much thought, time and research actually goes into developing these centres to ensure that they are meeting community needs to the best of their abilities.

Connor VanMinnen, fourth-year business – accounting student, appreciated how each person in his group had a unique approach: “… it was nice to have a team with a wide range of different skills to problem solve together.” He welcomed the opportunity to contribute to long-term local initiatives and described the whole experience as “eye-opening.”

“It was also a great learning experience as we got to see how much thought, time and research actually goes into developing these centres to ensure that they are meeting community needs to the best of their abilities,” he says.

In the coming years, the City is planning on opening three new recreation centres, as well as improving a number of existing centres. Victoria Kerekesch, district manager of recreation for the City of Hamilton, shared that the students’ hard work “will not go without action,” stressing that their auditing and assessments will make a difference as the City continues to support youth in the community.

“The students were absolutely fantastic to work with on this project, they took my very broad and frankly wildly out-there vision, and created a tangible document with findings, scoping and action items for recreation in the City of Hamilton,” says Kerekesch.

Addressing Real Community Problems

Professor Chuck Ma, one of the course instructors, believes it’s valuable for students to collaborate on projects that will have real-world impact in a supported environment. Ma states that the course provides space for students to embrace discomfort as they continue to discern their own personal calling.

“In each class we have been emphasizing this sentence, which we feel encompasses the purpose of the course: To explore God’s calling and your sense of vocation through interdisciplinary teamwork aimed at redemptive solutions that meet real needs in God’s Kingdom.”