Empowering Communities: Teaching the "Handy Homeowner" Course Ridgewood Community Schools

In a world where DIY projects are increasingly popular, equipping individuals with basic home maintenance skills is more valuable than ever. Recognizing this need and driven by a commitment to giving back to our community, we embarked on a rewarding journey by offering the "Handy Homeowner" course at Ridgewood Community Schools.

The concept was simple: empower homeowners with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle various projects themselves, thus saving money and fostering a sense of self-reliance. The course aimed to demystify common household tasks and provide practical, hands-on instruction in areas such as painting, minor electrical work, carpentry, basic plumbing, and seasonal maintenance.

We designed the curriculum to be accessible and engaging for participants of all backgrounds. Whether someone was a complete novice or had some prior experience, there was something to be gained from each session.

Throughout the course, students learned essential skills such as assembling a toolbox of must-have tools/supplies, emergency preparedness, replacing light switches, patching drywall, hanging pictures and shelves, and basic woodworking techniques. Beyond the technical aspects, emphasis was placed on safety protocols, tool proficiency, and problem-solving strategies, ensuring that participants felt confident and capable of their newfound abilities.

As we reflect on the impact of the "Handy Homeowner" course, we are reminded of the transformative power of education and community engagement. Empowering individuals to take ownership of their living spaces by sharing our knowledge and expertise was very rewarding. We look forward to expanding the course to more continuing education programs in our community.