Nicaragua's Nature Stewards: The Junior Rangers

Dear Friends,

As you know, COVID-19 has impacted lives around the world. In Nicaragua, the virus has been widespread and so we made the decision in April to suspend in-person Junior Ranger activities. However, this has not stopped us from reaching the more than 90 Junior Rangers who are enrolled in the 2020 program.

Here are some of the activites we have carried out since you contributed to our GlobalGiving Junior Ranger program:

- A nature-themed art contest where Junior Rangers created drawings and paintings focused on sea turtles, forests, and wildlife. We were wowed by the artistic talent of the children. 

- A crafting challenge focused on the use of plastic and cardboard waste. Children made art and useful household objects using a dollhouse from used cardboard, doll clothes from fabric scraps, and a toothbrush holder from plastic water bottles. Supporting the children as they explore the issues of pollution will help them to create cleaner, and healthier waterways. 

- In July we began our normal Junior Ranger curriculum, but we are implementing activities remotely. Cell phones are widespread in the rural areas and so we are providing phone credits to the parents so that we may call, and exchange information and instructions. Our educational team led by Anabel Chevez and with support from our female sea turtle rangers, are in regular communication with the children and their parents about the lessons. 

We would also like to share that your support has been a great compliment to resources we raised through our COVID-19 emergency fund. Our Junior Ranger program enables us to get to know the famlies. Some of the children live in difficult economic circumstances made worse by COVID-19 closures. For these families, we have been able to provide supplemental food and supplies during a three month period.  

We hope to be able to soon resume our in-person meetings with the the Junior Rangers in an outdoor space. We will continue to use your donations to support the families and the children in their learning. Thank you for making this possible.

Stay safe and healthy, and thank you again for supporting these children as they learn to care for wildlife and their future.

Warm regards,

Sarah

p.s. I have also included a link to a blog post about the "backyard birding" activity we carried out with the children. These and other socially-distanced activities with the children are keeping them engaged in observing their natural world. Thankyou again! 

Links:

• Blog post on "Backyard birdwatching" activity with Junior Ranger