Project Launch:

With a $500 grant from World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program in 2010, a school in Canaan, Costa Rica received a complete makeover with students planting trees, medicinal plants, and flowers to improve their school grounds. The plants not only now brighten the educational environment, but also the students' attitudes about school. Additionally, the students benefit because of the types of trees planted (ie. avocado, mango, and guanabana) that produce an endless variety of fresh fruit. Upon finishing the gardens, the students are now responsible for maintaining them. Project leaders noted that kids involved in the project felt increased ownership in the school grounds and became motivated to further restore and protect them. This activity provided additional curriculum as participating in outdoor activities during the school day is rare in this region. The students also partnered with a local environmental committee that gave a brief, interactive talk on the importance of making positive impacts on the environment, such as the reforestation campaign that this group started.