Creativity, ingenuity on display as youngsters tackle YWCA’s annual ‘Block Kids’ challenge
WOONSOCKET — Children in kindergarten through sixth grade Tuesday competed by constructing structures with interlocking plastic blocks and other provided materials in the annual Block Kids Building Competition at YWCA Rhode Island.
The awarding-winning national contest sponsored by the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) challenges students in kindergarten through Grade 6 to use their imagination in constructing a structure or project using interlocking blocks. Participants have one hour to construct a structure or project using the blocks as well as and three of the following additional items: a small rock, string,
foil, and poster board. They then present their project to the judges.
Local winners advance to regional competition, and one semi-finalist from each region is entered in the national program competition. National prizes are awarded to the top three projects.
“It’s a great program because it encourages participants to look for creative solutions to construction challenges while also promoting interest in the construction industry,” said Meghan Grady, YWCA Rhode Island’s chief operating officer.
According to NAWIC, the construction industry faces a workforce shortage that poses a serious problem for the national economy. In order to meet the demand for construction, the industry is looking to attract, educate and train about 240,000 newcomers annually.
The Block Kids Program introduces children to the construction industry in an effort to create an awareness of and to promote an interest in future careers in one of the many facets of the industry. Sponsors include NAWIC Chapters and other organizations.
Erma Lamousin, member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast NAWIC Chapter, initiated the first contest held in Biloxi. She shared the idea with president-elect Carol Ericson of the Connecticut/New York Line chapter who enlisted Susan Levy, past NAWIC president, to write guidelines. Ericson then recruited NAWIC President Judy Short of the Cincinnati Ohio chapter to assist the contest kickoff with a special presentation at the 1989 NAWIC Convention in Seattle, Washington.
Lamousin’s granddaughter, Natalie Smith, designed the NAWIC Bock Kids who were then named “Connie Struction” and “Bill Ditt ” in a special contest.
The competition in Woonsocket on Tuesday saw children using 100 lego type blocks, small stones, string, aluminum foil and their imaginations to create a construction related project.
“The youth, especially the kindergartners, really enjoyed the Block Kids Building Competition,” said Cynthia Evans, coordinator of YWCA Rhode Island’s After School Youth Enrichment Program. “It was great to see them use their creativity with the Legos and the other items. Our program looks forward to this competition every year and we appreciate the support of the NAWIC volunteers.”