It was almost a throw-away story by an excursion guide as our bus raced through Prince Edward Island on the way to see the house made famous in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables. The visit was memorable as was the area that inspired the author’s imagination. Her famous novel introduced readers to a precocious young woman who is daring, outspoken, and strong. Anne Shirley was young but made a difference. Children in that age were expected to work, to do necessary chores, and to carry part of the load of making life work in their homes and community.

We enjoyed our visit, but I couldn’t help but think about how young people today need to get off their phones and experience adventure, time with friends, and a chance to make a difference in the lives of others and their community.

Our guide told a brief story about the teens on Prince Edward Island who were doing just that. Like many urban areas, she talked about the challenge Charlottetown was facing in securing adequate housing for those who were moving into the area. There weren’t enough houses and not enough construction workers and investors to build the homes that were needed. They were meeting less than half of the need in the community, but where would help come from? An innovative project in shop classes at local high schools was coming to the rescue.

Instead of building birdhouses and jewelry boxes few would ever use, shop students at Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside have been and continue to build tiny homes in class each year. At the end........

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