Environmental Education Program
Tomorrow's leaders on the islands need to be equipped for tomorrow's challenges, and we must adequately prepare children for the future they will inherit in order to be able to face these challenges.
This project aims to enhance existing science education on Utila, engage students in environmental conservation and hopefully inspire the future generation of working Utilans to protect their local ecosystems while developing tourism and other industries responsibly. Increasing the awareness of the youngest generations about conservation issued on the island could contribute to an improvement of general behaviours and attitudes of all islanders towards their environment. We will also provide opportunities for students to work with Kanahau scientists and develop research skills that may help them secure employment in the future.
As of 2017 the project is a join effort of 3 major conservation organisations on the island (KURCF, WSORC, and BICA). We are promoting environmental awareness to children and teenagers in 7 different schools on the island and the cays covering different age groups, from kindergarden to high schools.
The programme includes a variety of activities: in-class lectures, workshops and outdoor activities. Volunteers are responsible to prepare the materials for their class presentation such as brochures, power points, and videos but also come up with new ideas for activities to stimulate students’ interest in nature.
This project is perfect for a volunteer that is looking for a hands-on experience that will broaden their understanding about the diversity and complexity of conservation issues on a small island, while also providing an opportunity to improve Spanish and learn about a different culture from the young community members.
