We had the pleasure of developing a project that not only inspired us but led us to create a new bond with a very special community. Carried out for two years in a row, we were able to visit a small community in La Saladita, in Guerrero, Mexico.
Here, we had the opportunity to form teaching activities to promote respect for nature, fostering cooperation and bonds between companions living in the same community. All the activities we have carried out are related to Europe’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
For two weeks, we used exclusively natural resources to tackle various daily challenges. For instance, instead of plastic paints, the children used egg as a binder and spices and plant-based colorants to paint pots, achieving unique colors. Other challenges included creating a garden with recycled bottles, making natural fertilizers, and decorating the garden with river stones.
Noticing the abundance of plastic on the ground, one child suggested making eco-friendly signs to raise community awareness about environmental care. We also conducted daily mindfulness sessions, yoga, and nature appreciation activities.
One of the most anticipated days was the surfing session, where the children not only enjoyed the sea but also placed their environmental signs on the beach. To show gratitude to the ocean, we organized a beach cleanup, reusing the collected materials at the educational center.
During our second visit, we expanded the garden, created a library with a wooden tipi and fabrics, and brought wooden games to stimulate creativity. We repeated the surfing sessions and observed a cleaner beach, with our signs still standing and a community more aware of environmental care.
