By Matt Paneitz | Long Way Home Executive Director
A NOTE FROM GLOBAL GIVING:
Please welcome Matt Paneitz. He is a new project leader here at GlobalGiving and over the past few weeks we have had the opportunity to get to know Matt and the great work he does for his organization Long Way Home.
Periodically over the next two months we will be sending you snapshots about Matt’s life and work. We encourage your feedback about this new form of progress update so that we can provide you with the most interesting and relevant information possible about the projects and causes you support.
We thank you for your contributions and ask you to consider donating again to Matt and Long Way Home. Feel free to tell your friends about this incredible project!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, and Build a School
Matt Paneitz and his colleagues at Long Way Home are currently working on the construction of a vocational school using recycled materials such as used car tires and trash-filled plastic soda bottles. The team broke ground in January, starting first with erecting a retaining wall out of used tires filled with dirt and eventually covered with a stucco exterior covering.
Matt has turned to the community to help him gather the “trash” used in construction. “Since starting our recycling program I have actually seen the small town that I live in become physically cleaner,” says Matt. “I have seen the children cleaning up trash in the streets rather than throwing more trash in the streets.”
With the funds raised through GlobalGiving, Matt has been able to hire a resident architect and eight local youth to serve as construction workers. The new school will consist of 14 buildings and will serve about 500 students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
This isn't Matt's first attempt at building with garbage. Please stay tuned for future updates to learn more about Matt's innovative construction background!
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