At our school, we are facing a situation that directly affects the well-being of our students: when it rains, water enters the dining area because there is no wall to keep it out. As a result, the brick floor remains constantly damp, creating an unhealthy environment for the children who eat and spend time in this space. Building a wall to contain water, changing the floor and roof would make the dining area more pleasant, functional, and energy-efficient.
Wet bricks encourage the growth of mold and mildew. These not only damage the flooring material over time but can also affect the health of everyone using the space daily. Mold spores in the air can trigger allergies or respiratory issues, especially in children. A damp and poorly maintained dining area creates a sense of neglect, which can influence how students value and take care of shared school spaces.
In addition to building a wall to keep the water out, it would also be very helpful to replace the current roof of the dining area. We would like to install translucent panels to allow natural light to enter, improving the lighting without having to rely entirely on artificial sources. This would make the dining area more pleasant, functional, and energy-efficient.
Education is the key to societal changes. At school, by incorporating activities into a weekly and monthly routine, we hope to permanently change bad environmental habits. Through education campaigns, hands-on activities, public fairs, we hope to reach beyond our students and into the greater community. Canoa, as a town, could change its relationship to the ocean and surrounding farms, making it a healthy and harmonious place for our families to live in the future.
