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Tag: globalworks

School Groups
 August 14, 2024

Teenagers roll up their sleeves! Summer 2024

Welcoming teens from all over the USA


Ellington School, Connecticut – April 7, 2024

On April 7th, we had the pleasure of hosting 23 enthusiastic teenagers and their dedicated staff from Ellington School, Connecticut, who arrived through Vamonos Travel. Led by 3t, this energetic group rolled up their sleeves and got to work on a variety of essential tasks. They meticulously weeded the Garcinia portoricensis endangered endemic trees in the nurseries, trimmed vetiver, and even established a small tree nursery. Fueled by Chef Monique’s delicious meals, these teens made a lasting contribution to the health and future of our forest, leaving behind a well-tended landscape and a budding nursery that will continue to grow for years to come.


Aspen School, Colorado – May 4, 2024

On May 4th, 15 spirited teenagers from Aspen School, Colorado, along with their staff, joined us for a day of hard work and camaraderie, thanks to Globalworks International. Under the guidance of crew leader Professor George Locascio, and nourished by Chef Monique’s meals, the group took on the challenging task of digging drainage ditches and maintaining trails. Their efforts helped to improve the resilience of our forest’s infrastructure, ensuring that our trails and paths can withstand the elements for seasons to come. Their dedication and teamwork made a significant impact on the landscape, leaving it more secure and better prepared for the future.

Hood River New School, Oregon – June 17-19, 2024

From June 17th to 19th, 23 passionate teenagers and staff from Hood River New School, Oregon, brought their enthusiasm and energy to our forest, with Globalworks International facilitating their visit. During their stay, they focused on planting a variety of important tree species, including Goetzea elegans, Cobana Negra, and Swietenia aubrevilleana. Led by 3t and sustained by Chef Monique’s nourishing meals, these teens left behind more than just newly planted trees—they contributed to the future biodiversity and ecological health of our forest. Their commitment to nurturing the land was inspiring, and their efforts will be felt for generations.

Thank you to Globalworks International and Vamonos Travel and their amazing crew leaders. These teams take the teenagers all over the island of Puerto Rico, to engage in meaninful projects. We salute them!

Globalworks Globalworks Teams School Groups Service work Volunteers
 May 25, 2023

Globalworks & University of Delaware, 24 May 2023

A Day of Joyful Volunteering in the Puerto Rican Rainforest- Globalworks & University of Delaware, 24 May 2023

(In case English is not your first language, you can translate this website. Click the TRANSLATE button at top right.)

In a heartwarming convergence of cultures and a shared passion for environmental conservation, a group of bright young adults from Saudi Arabia embarked on a life-changing journey to the rainforest project, Las Casas de la Selva, in Patillas, Puerto Rico. Brought together by Globalworks International, an organization dedicated to facilitating service holidays for teenagers, these enthusiastic students spent a day immersing themselves in the rainforest’s beauty. The day was filled with awe-inspiring moments, meaningful discussions, and unforgettable memories.

Exploring the Rainforest’s Resilience: The day began with a guided hike led by Thrity Vakil (3t) at Las Casas de la Selva. As the group ventured deeper into the rainforest, they witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Hurricane Fiona, which struck Puerto Rico in September 2022. The trail revealed landslides and fallen trees, reminding everyone of the immense power of nature. However, amidst the destruction, there was a sense of hope as new life emerged, highlighting the rainforest’s remarkable resilience.

After the enlightening hike, and some time looking at critically endangered plants in the nursery, it was time for the Saudi Arabian students to roll up their sleeves and contribute their labor! Their task involved carrying buckets of gravel to complete the construction of a new front garden area near the open-air dining room. With determination and a sense of purpose, they worked together, displaying teamwork and a strong work ethic. Among the leaders of the garden task were Alfredo and Potin, who shared their knowledge and expertise, ensuring that the project proceeded smoothly.

The Saudi Arabian students, with their unique perspectives and backgrounds, engaged in enlightening conversations and the students’ genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn left a lasting impression on everyone, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual growth and cultural exchange.

As the morning’s activities drew to a close, the students’ hard work and dedication were rewarded with a mouthwatering lunch prepared by Monique Nieves, chef at Las Casas de la Selva. The tantalizing aromas filled the air, and with gratitude and satisfaction, the group savored the delicious meal, knowing that it was well-earned after their efforts.

The day spent by the students from the University of Delaware, (ELI-SABIC 22),volunteering at Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, Puerto Rico, was a beautiful testament to the power of unity and collaboration. Through their participation in Globalworks International’s service holiday program, these young adults not only experienced the wonders of the Puerto Rican rainforest but also contributed to the project. This joyous experience serves as a reminder that by working together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for our planet.

Thank you everyone!!

Community Globalworks Teams Service work Volunteer Groups Volunteers
 September 24, 2021

Global Works Team 1: July 2021

13th July 2021: Thank you to this wonderful team of teenagers, who helped with clearing and digging drainage ditches on our main drive and trail this July for one day.

Big thanks also to Global Works Trip Leader, Eric Uslander, and to the awesome staff: Victor Pachas, Jasmine Van Maldren, Fabricio Ochoa Serrano, and Penelope Benscome.

Global Works provides service trips for teens and school travel programs with community service, cultural exchange, language immersion, and adventure. They make sure that teens have an unforgettable experience abroad, make friends for a lifetime, have lessons in leadership, and make impactful change!
For more on their programs: https://www.globalworkstravel.com/

We have been collaborating with Global Works since 2003, and we really value the long-term relationship with staff and the teens who return as young aduts to continue a relationship with our project.

Education Globalworks Teams People of Las Casas de la Selva Service work Volunteer Groups Volunteers Work
 July 22, 2016

San Francisco Day School with Globalworks, May 2016!

This May another 60 students from San Francisco Day school came to Puerto Rico along with their staff, and on a Globalworks organized trip, they stayed all over the island, spending valuable time at Las Casas de la Selva, (20 at a time) during some torrential rainy weather, helping us with the mixing and pouring of a a new cement floor. Thanks to Globalworks staff, Ari W, Luis Bertolo, and PR Globalworks Director, Scott Page. The work was led by Andrés Rúa, and Norman Greenhawk. Thanks to Ricardo Valles, Alex Figueroa and Joel Bernier, for help with all the work. Yara Solis gave three full-on Salsa Dance classes, and Magha Garcia provided some of the finest Puerto Rican food on the island! Thanks to 3t Vakil and Irving Rappaport for images.

Thank you everyone, for all the great energy, even through some of the worst weather we have had this year!

Globalworks Teams Service work
 July 13, 2016

Globalworks and Squaw Valley Preparatory School, April 2016

Globalworks provides intense adventure and service holidays for teenagers. We have collaborated with Globalworks since 2003, and we always have a great time, as well as getting a lot of work done! Twenty-two members, between 14 and 17 years of age, from the Squaw Valley Preparatory School, California, came to stay at Las Casas de la Selva with Scott Page, Director of Globalworks, Puerto Rico. Over a few days a huge amount of trailblazing was carried out, some cement work, and everyone partook in the salsa dance class with Yara Solis.. Thanks to Norman Greenhawk, who was the crew leader out in the forest. Thank you SVP staff Ms. Monica and Shana Boyd. Thanks to Hunter Banovich and Ms. Monica for their photos! Hope to see you all back here someday!

Endangered plants Rare trees Research & Education Tree planting Tvref Collaboration Volunteer Groups Volunteers
 December 7, 2015

Globalworks teenagers, Treeplanting, May 2015

Globalworks brought the whole of the 8th Grade from San Francisco Day School to Las Casas de la Selva, May 2015.

We hosted three teams consecutively, for three days each. This wonderful bunch of teens planted critically endangered endemic Cornutia obovata trees in the forest.

Thanks to SFDS teacher Chris Corrigan for his tremendous leadership skills, and the enthusiasm he has brought to Las Casas over the last several years on Globalworks expeditions. Thanks to all the wonderful staff and students for the hard-work planting these Cornutia obovata out in the forest, and for the wonderful evenings back at the homestead. We salute you all! Thank you also to Globalworks staff, and to Las Casas volunteers Alfredo Lopez and Helen Galli, for all their help.
All pix by 3t Vakil unless otherwise credited.

See more about this tree-planting project https://eyeontherainforest.org/?p=5462

  • Above: Chris Corrigan, Expedition leader, SFDS
  • Above left: Scott Page, Director of Globalworks, Puerto Rico.
  • Getting ready to walk the Cornutia obovata saplings into the forest for planting.
  • Staff: Scott (GW) Chris Corrigan & Michelle, SFDS
  • Staff: Luis (Globalworks) with Steve & Elise, SFDS
  • Pic by Cho Hee Shrader
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