Lifelong Education

A simple pencil is one of the most recognizable symbols of education. It is something many of us may even take for granted as a readily available classroom resource here in our Simcoe Muskoka Catholic schools. However, thanks to Mr. Beal, the perception of the meaning of a simple pencil has changed for hundreds of staff and students at SMCDSB.

The very first SMCDSB mission trip was in May 2009. It was here, in the community of Oloonkerin, that our SMCDSB community first learned about the immense power of a seemingly simple pencil."

It was common to see many of the students at Oloonkern Primary School clutching their pencils in their hand; in the classroom and during outdoor activities. School supplies such as pencils are often not readily available in classrooms in many developing countries and to be able to purchase one at a market may not be possible for all families. To see the care that was taken to ensure each pencil was accounted for was something that helped us all appreciate the immense value of learning and infinite potential that comes from education.

Nelson Mandela claimed that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Through Mr. Beal’s vision of the SMCDSB mission experiences, staff and students have been able to immerse themselves in an education of solidarity. The lessons of culture, faith, hope, leadership, justice and dialogue are things that are best learned through experience. The next generation of change makers is forever grateful for Mr. Beal’s vision.