Kids as Forest Guardians in Rural Drake Bay

Our program, “Creating the Environmental Leaders of the New Millenium in Osa”, aims to change children’s attitude toward nature and empower them to lead the way for sustainable development thru Environmental Education (EE).   

EE promotes change in the attitude of individuals and communities to a society that is knowledgeable of the environment and its associated problems.  They become aware of the solutions to these problems and are motivated to solve them.  

Children will need to influence their parents and teach them new ways of coexisting with nature.  This is true in Osa, where the local way of life for decades has traditionally been based on destructive activities such as illegal hunting and logging.    

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) states that EE is vital in imparting an inherent respect for nature amongst society and in enhancing public environmental awareness.

Our environmental educators are biologists committed to reaching out to children in the most respectful and fun way possible.  In exchange, they get lots of love, laughter and stories from the children.  These stories inspire them every day to continue this endless process of changing attitudes toward their environment, not only toward nature but also toward their peers.  Love, respect, tolerance, appreciation and empathy are feelings you can have towards your siblings, your neighbors, a tree or a snake.

Some of the stories they have shared with us show us how children change their attitude.  For instance, a couple of weeks ago, during one of the children’s group meetings,  Helena our environmental educator proposed the idea of playing Secret Santa among the 11 children that are part of the group, and making all the gifts with recycled materials.  The kids engaged immediately, looking for recyclable waste that could be used to make their gifts.  After their snack time, a cream cheese plastic cup was available and all the kids jumped to get it as for them it was a wonderful treasure.    Some people’s waste is other people treasure they say.

Another endearing story happened not too long ago, when some members of this group found a land turtle crossing the road.  After picking it up they became worried and began looking for Helena  seeking advice.  What should we do?  What if a car runs it over?  What if a dog gets it?   A few years before, they wouldn’t have cared, they might have even hurt the turtle just for the fun of it, but now they love and respect fauna.  And they are starting to lead by their example.

Help us maintain our efforts!