brian in kenya Over the years, Director of Education Brian Beal has been an advocate for experiential learning at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. Thousands of students and staff have experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to travel to countries like Kenya, India, Ecuador and Tanzania to make positive impacts on the communities they visit.

Earlier this month, Mr. Beal made his sixth journey to Kenya, this time with the organization WE and 17 other directors and leaders in education. This trip was particularly special, as Brian was able to spend his third summer in one of his favourite communities - Pimbiniet. The breathtaking views and the incredible people make it an easy place to love, and they certainly love him right back.

To wrap up yet another memorable trip, the wonderful community organized a celebration with 700 children, staff, and parents that involved singing, dancing and speeches. To show their gratitude for Mr. Beal, the Pimbinet community honoured him with a goat and a planted tree. Maasai elders even sang, danced, prayed and spat blessed cow’s milk on his shoes.

The evening was complete with the director participating in Maasai dance and rituals and was given the Maasai name “Tubula,” meaning a kind and caring man of the world. As someone who continues to advocate for experiential learning, global citizenship, and positive change in this world, we think Mr. Beal’s Maasai name is perfectly fitting!

brian honoured with goat

Since 2009, high school students and staff of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board have had the amazing opportunity to travel overseas to take part in an experiential learning program. Over 2,000 participants have committed themselves to a year of preparation, and left Canada to spend two weeks immersed in the culture of small villages in countries across Africa, South America and Asia.

While the majority of participants are students, a number of staff have also attended and have equally absorbed every minute of the life-changing experience. Director of Education Brian Beal, has been an active advocate and participant in the program, attending several mission trips over the past years.

Using his expertise and hands-on experience in the program, Mr. Beal has written an online blog, “How to Create a Successful Experiential Learning Program” for Education First International Ltd. With the implementation of the program, he shares his insights of lessons learned and what it takes to make the program a success.

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board

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Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board