By Rachel | Isser
There are only a few weeks left until school starts and we are so excited! Our Environmental Education program planning is complete and our project proposal has been submitted and approved! An English translation has been attached for all of those interested.
Why is this so important?
Canoa's natural beauty is what attracts so many tourists each year, providing the majority of local families' income. If we can't teach our children to protect this natural treasure, their economic futures are also at risk.
A short anectdote from a volunteer:
"I brought the sixth graders into our multi-purpose classroom to show them some videos about climate change. The classroom is big, recently constructed new and exciting. The students had trouble focusing on the discussion I was trying to start. All of a sudden I yelled,
"Raise your hand if you hope to have children someday!"
Every single one of them raised their hand.
We began to discuss the physical changes they've seen in the natural environment just since they were babies. Plastic garbage is rampant on the beach. They had noticed the growing number of turtles and dolphins laying dead on the sand. In rural communities, the rivers are drying up. The rainy season doesn't seem to be rainy anymore. Many members of their families who depended on agriculture in the past are moving into town looking for work in tourism.
"If we don't start changing some bad habits, what will Canoa be like for your children?
They all became quiet and pensive. I had their attention. As we started to brainstorm environmental solutions, all of their answers were vague.
"Help the environment!"
"Don't cut trees!"
I realized that they had no idea what they, as empowered young people, can actually do in their community to be part of the global effort to fight climate change."
Danniella Otte, Volunteer
Don't forget that April 8-12 all donations up to $50 will be matched 60% by GlobalGiving! That means that your $10 donation becomes $16, a $20 becomes $32 and a $50 donation becomes $80. Our work never ends which means we are always in need of more funding! Please consider a donation next week to get us ready for a new school year full of Environmental Education!
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