In February 2024, we were fortunate to host a vibrant group of thirteen-year-olds from Cathedral Middle School for Boys in San Francisco. Under the dedicated guidance of Chris Corrigan, Maddie, and Steve, these young students embarked on an enlightening journey into the world of environmental stewardship.
Their invaluable contribution to planting mahogany saplings, cacao, coffee, and vetiver has made a significant positive impact on our environment.
They worked in the rain and saw first-hand the impact of Hurricane Fiona’s devasting dump of water in September 2022, which caused the landslides that we worked on. We planted Mahogany (Swietenia aubrevilleana) saplings, grown from our own seeds, in June 2022.
Among the many activities, one aspect that stood out was their engagement with our compost toilets! This experience was more than just a lesson in sustainability; it became a source of inspiration for these young minds. The students quickly adapted to this eco-friendly practice, understanding the importance of water conservation and waste reduction. Their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace such sustainable living practices were both impressive and heartwarming. The use of compost toilets served as a practical introduction to the principles of ecological responsibility and closed-loop systems.
It was inspiring to see the students not only accept but also appreciate the value of these sustainable practices. They learned firsthand how such small changes in daily habits can significantly impact our environment. Thanks to Thomas for his note.
Special thanks are due not only to the ever-supportive Chris Corrigan but also to the dedicated school staff—Chris, Steve, Maddie—and Globalworks Leader Rebe, who all played pivotal roles in facilitating this transformative experience. Their collective efforts have undoubtedly sown the seeds of environmental consciousness in the hearts of these young individuals.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making this experience a reality. The students of Cathedral Middle School for Boys have left our community richer, not just through their physical contributions to our reforestation efforts but also by reinforcing our hope for a more sustainable and conscious future.
The Cathedral School for Boys prioritizes diversity in ethnicity, race, and socioeconomic status, along with an experiential education focused on service. This ethos of diversity and experiential learning is integral to their curriculum and is bolstered by their tuition assistance program. It is this foundation that facilitated the recent educational trip to Las Casas. The excursion included students from various economic backgrounds, including those on reduced or subsidized tuition, reflecting the school community’s shared commitment to its values. This commitment enables students, particularly those from urban backgrounds, to experience and learn about conservation in the rainforest firsthand, thereby broadening their perspectives and potential life paths.
Huge gratitude to Monique Nieves whose culinary expertise provided us with delicious meals, fueling our days with energy and warmth. Additionally, a big thank you to the talented artist Mercury, whose volunteer efforts and all-around assistance have been invaluable to our cause.
Here’s to more visits, more learning, and more inspiration. Together, we are cultivating a greener, more sustainable world, one young heart at a time. 27-29 Feb 2024
