Nature solutions for Community development

I have been wondering about the impact of our environmental education programs and our youth groups for years. Change produced by social processes can be too subtle to be perceived, and too ethereal to be measured, but along the way its impacts could be observed objectively. Maybe thru the testimony of those who have experienced that change.

In order to get an idea about how the environmental education program has impacted people in the community, I figured I should talk to one of the first kids we reached in the early stages of our program.  So, I went to talk to Mauricio, who was one of our first “Jaguars”.  The Jaguars was one of our first youth group, back in 2003. Mauricio is now almost 30 years old. He started coming to the Jaguars youth group when he was 16. They would work on beach clean ups, recycling and they would receive talks about sexual education, gender equality and loving nature. They made several excursions with us, including trips to Corcovado and Chirripo National Parks. They also attended a 4-day exchange trip where they visited conservation and ecotourism projects in Dominical, Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas and Guanacaste.

Mauricio is now a successful small entrepreneur and he is proud of what he has achieved. And he should, Mauricio has his own business, he provides jobs to around 10 direct and indirect employees.

I wanted to know the impact his experience in the Jaguars Youth Group had on his life. The answer was amazing. He said: “In a matter of fact I was arguing with my mom about that topic last night, I told her that parents need to let their kids have these experiences (such as those I had with the Jaguars Youth Group) to expand their mentality and open their brain to all the opportunities that there are in life. When we were here, we were so isolated and we didn’t know about what the world could offer. After we experienced all those activities with the Jaguars we all wanted more. Most of the kids that participated in the Jaguars are either now professionals or they are entrepreneurs. If I had not been part of the Jaguars I would be working on a hotel kitchen or receiving boats on the bay. Those are respectable jobs, but after what I had learned, with you guys, I wanted more. I wanted to learn English and I wanted to do more with my life. The Jaguars opened my mind and the mind of my friends”.

Mauricio also mentioned that the Jaguares effort helped shaped the community. That people are more aware about waste management and other environmental issues.

That generation of members of the youth groups are now very successful. They are entrepreneurs and / or professionals: there are business owners, doctors, nurses, social workers, managers and supervisors of big companies. 

Currently our educators enjoy the enthusiasm generated by their arrival.  There is an increased number of children participating in tutoring activities and environmental education activities.  And they can also tell that they have been missed.  Right now, our environmental education program has suffered a reduction from 20 schools to 5.  So many of them don’t see Helena or Alvaro coming to the schools anymore.  We are still fully working with the environmental youth groups and we are still tutoring children every week after school. I think that Helena is doing a great job with the kids. This is all impactful and I feel really strong about the importance of this program. 

That conversation with Mauricio was huge for me! Sometimes you don’t see the impact that your work has, but it has an impact and it can be great! It can change people’s lives and we have.

Thank you all for your effort and your support. I am very grateful for all of you that had helped us make this happen!