Diego Syz
Omineca Express
Earth Week is kicking off this year across the province with activities and events in schools and the community.
“Earth day is a time to not only reflect on and appreciate British Columbia’s natural splendour, but to also consider the role we want our province to take in the global climate challenge,” according to Mary Polak, British Columbia’s Environment Minister.
Students at Nechako Valley Secondary School are focusing on two main themes, according Mrs. Pye, media arts instructor at N.V.S.S.
“Our main theme is focusing on raising money to build the school in ecuador,” Mrs. Pye begins.
The fundraiser is part of the “We Day” group at N.V.S.S. who have the goal of raising ($10,000) to buy 5,000 bricks to build the school in Ecuador.
But students are also learning about water consumption and the looming water crisis effecting the planet, Pye continues.
“We just had a huge presentation by Free the Children on the water crisis.”
“Free the Children” is an international charity and educational partner, working both domestically and internationally to empower youth as agents of change,” according to www.freethechildren.com.
“Free the Children” sponsors programs like; We Create Change, We Stand Together, We Are Silent and We Scare Hunger to raise awareness on issues affecting the world inside and outside the classroom.
Students are also doing a workshop in relation to “Free the Children” on what action they can take (against the water crisis affecting the planet), she says.
These activities include cutting the consumption of bottled water and learning how to build wells, says Pye.
“We are at a pivotal point in our province’s climate journey,” says Environment Minister Mary Polak.
“Our government is choosing the path of continued climate leadership and environmental stewardship, but in the context of a strong and growing economy.
For more information on “Free the Children” programs please take a look at the website, www.freethechildren.com.