Project Launch:

Huanchaco is a community located on the coast of northern Peru in the department of La Libertad. For many years the people of Huanchaco have depended on the sea to sustain their way of life. However, as the population grows and development of the urban areas increases, the contamination of the sea and its surrounding environment has greatly increased. A grant from World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program in 2011 helped create an Environmental Club to educate the children in the community about nature and the environment. Classes were held on environmental issues and the scientific method and students took field trips, participated in hands-on activities and project, and conducted mini-research project that students presented to their families and friends. Funding also provided the club with their “Adventure Backpacks”, bags with writing materials, nature guides, magnifying glasses, and binoculars, that support investigating the environment. The Environmental Club strengthened environmental awareness among the young people of Huanchaco and with this knowledge they developed an appreciation and passion for the environment that will benefit the conservation of their community now and in the future.