For two months we introduced the children of our after-school program to a new concept and way of thinking; recycling.  We started off educating them on recycling basics: the hows and whys!  For an indigenous community with ZERO exposure to a first world solution to trash our children were all ears and definitely inspired to clean up around their homes when we followed our two weeks of education with a competition.  The children live over the water surrounded by mangrove forests so polluting the water with garbage is not the solution.  Their parents limited understanding of recycling and negative effects it has on the environment is why many of their homes have excess trash laying around.  We looked to the future generations to make a change!  We held a month long competition in which we split our children ages 6-12 into groups of four and challenged them to bring as many plastic bottles and trash as possible.  Each team was responsible for making their own team poster, encouraging each other, and given the opportunity to bring in bags everyday.  Each bag was awarded points from 10-40 points.  We put together 9 teams of 3 and put them to the test!  The points were tallied up at the end of the competition and two teams came out on top;: Ojo Tuerto de Plastico (Plastic Cross Eye) and Luchadores de Basura (Garbage Fighters).  We ended our competition incredibly proud of our children for their commitment to a new way of thinking and living.  They not only collected trash, but also paddled it to school.  We awarded our after school program kids with a day at the beach full of food, games, and good times.  What many would consider a simple day to the beach (especially being that we live on an island) is far from it.  Many of the children in Bahia Honda (Deep Bay) have not been to the other side of the island where one can find beautiful beaches and a whole different world.  This is because what is otherwise easy for us (ten minute boat ride) is an hour plus cayuco (kayak) ride.  The biggest reason is cultural and parenting based.  The children live very basic, primitive, isolated lives and therefore their parents do not promote or engage/stimulate them through activities and special days.  A huge part of our educational programs is exposing our children to new ways of thinking, having fun, and experiencing life.  Look for more to come for our field trips.

If you would like to get involved and contribute to our educational programs you can by donating or volunteering with us!  Enjoy the pictures from our recycling project and thanks for your support.