Salem High School

Salem, Missouri

Teacher: John Hendricks

 

 

 

Apprenticeships: Game Plan For the Future

By Amanda Stratton 

 

Latitudes International, Inc. is a non-profit organization, which I feel is really aimed at youth apprenticeship. Daniel J. Miller founded Latitudes International, Inc.  He developed this program because of his love for travel, culture and his knowledge of construction.  Participants get to travel to many different regions of the world and volunteer their skills to a helpful cause.  Not only do the volunteers get to travel worldwide they also have an unforgettable chance to interact with the local people. Latitudes International, Inc. promotes individual growth, leadership skills, and problem solving skills.

       

There are three main components to a Latitudes’ trip:  Group community service projects, apprenticeship, and Cultural Immersion. Group community service projects take place during the morning. Here you share work experience with the whole Latitudes team as well as the locals. Projects are done depending on what is best for the community.  Examples include: building wheel chair ramps, planting trees, painting, and a little bit of carpentry.  After lunch the apprenticeship aspect begins. During this time individuals follow their own interests. The only requirement that must be met is that your project allows you to become part of the community. You may volunteer at a store, health clinic or even tutor a student. Cultural immersion is the third phase of the Latitudes International, Inc.  During this phase you discover the culture of the particular region you happen to be in.

       

One obvious pro to the Latitudes International, Inc. program is you get to travel to different parts of the world at no expense to you. Latitudes International, Inc pays for all meals, plane tickets, and project materials. You may be asked to help prepare the meals, but in return you get the experience of getting the "local” cuisine. For accommodations volunteers live at campgrounds, community centers, or even have the chance to live with a local family.

       

Building leadership skills and learning responsibility is another pro of the Latitudes International Inc. program. Volunteers are put in situations everyday where both leadership and responsibility play a vital role.  It is your responsibility to get the task that is assigned to you done. Leadership skills are definitely important in this program.  You must be able to step up to the challenge and get the job done. Sometimes you might have to motivate yourself or others. Responsibility and leadership sills are something you leave with and can use the rest of your life.

       

Teamwork is another everyday life skill that is built thanks to the Latitudes International, Inc. program. Every morning volunteers must work as part of a team. Everyone must work together for one common goal; Get the job done. Not only must you get the job done, but also it must be right. Volunteers depend on one another and inevitably a bond is formed.  Without teamwork Latitudes International would not be possible.

       

Social skills are also developed due to the time spent together. To me this is yet another one of the many pros to being in the Latitudes program. By social skills I do not mean being popular. Social skills are simply being able to get along with others, whether you have known them for years or have just met. Social skills are important in everyday life especially the work place.

       

Another pro is the fact that you are exposed to cultural sensitivity. While on your mission you will learn about a lifestyle completely different from your own. This is truly a chance of a lifetime, to be able to learn about different cultures. Instead of learning about these cultures in a textbook, you literally receive hands on training.  What better way is there to learn?

       

One con of the Latitude International, Inc. program is that you are far away form family and friend. However, this is only a month long program, one that could positively change your life forever. During this one-month that you are away from home think of everything that is gained. You are taught important leadership skills and learn the true meaning of responsibility  You are exposed to a culture different from your own. This small negative of being away from your family could be changed into a positive learning experience.

       

In conclusion I feel the Latitudes International, Inc. is a wonderful program. Everyday life skills are taught and strengthened thanks to this program. Not only are participants taught responsibility, leadership, and teamwork, they are also taught to understand different cultures. This program is really aimed at youth apprenticeship and benefiting the participants.

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