Nature solutions for Community development

This January our environmental education team drove with 26 kids and 6 parents from Osa to San Jose. The children are all members of youth groups from 4 different communities, their work for their villages, their young leadership and their love for the environment was rewarded with a 4-day trip in which they visited Carara National Park, the Children Museum and Fossil Land.

They played and learned about leadership, teamwork and other values. They are the new environmental leaders of their communities. These activities are part of our environmental education program which was started 17 years ago. This program has proven effective, by creating awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. It has empowered and promoted leadership among local kids.

I was here 17 years ago when we first started the program. Many of the kids that started with us ago are now young adults. I guess you can’t say the same about me.   And although I am not a big fan of the wrinkles and the gray hair that comes with accumulating years, I am very lucky to have seen these kids grow, I have witnessed the transformation that this program has produced in many of them.   I have seen how they have become women and men engaging in their community.

For 17 years our environmental educators have worked weekly with kids to raise awareness about environmental issues and our role in them, about how we can be stewards of the environment and our communities. With games, art, storytelling handcrafting and field trips, kids have learned about being a team player, being a friend, respecting our differences, protecting our environment, being a leader and being the guardians of all living creatures that cannot defend themselves.

A couple of months ago, I shared a video with you that features some of these kids. Kids that are now adults making a difference. Did you have a chance to hear their testimonies? Take a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6ZbEsujKhY&t=3s

Now I will sharing with you, the video of our last adventure with the kids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A90gA6Rp0fw&t=19s Four days of learning and fun, four days that they will carry in their hearts forever. Four days that will open their minds and their horizons.   Thank you for being part of this journey. You helped us make this happen every day! Your support is not only financial but also a sign of trust, it is the lifeblood of our program.   You and the smiles of the kids we serve every day keep us inspired!   Thank you!