By Rut Roman | Program coordinator
Dear Friends:
In the midst of a wave of drug related violence unleashed upon young men in northern Manabí,Ecuador, this program is perceived by many young people and their families as a lifeline. Young people are investing time and effort in a program that protects them and other endangered species while offering prospects of a professional career.
Over the 8 years of operation, our community Library receives an average of 100 weekly visits. This number is composed of three age groups:
Since the beginning of this program, group 3 ages 12-18 increased its assistance by 200%.
The families of this group of adolescents. are dependent on fishing and set on their ways. Boys are expected to join the fishing crew as young as 13, and teenage pregnancy is rampant. This group of adolescents have known each other since early childhood. With no environmental awareness all had taken for granted the 8 kilometers of pristine beaches that line the village. No, they are marveled by the discovery of the ocean floor: “I had never thought about what was underwater and now I can’t wait for our next diving trip to see the incredible liveliness of the ocean floor” says David (15).
When Vivi (15), a tall and shy girl who is confortable away from the spotlight, volunteered to be the first to go by herself on the coral conservancy trip, we were all surprised. Even more so when, upon her return, the silent shy girl had turned into a chatterbox that wouldn’t stop talking about her first solo adventure.
Maria Jose (30) is the marine biologist who runs the program enthusiastically and says: “This has been my biggest accomplishment as Coordinator of Educational Programs in conservation, research and environmental education. Therefore, being able to develop this project with A mano manaba, connecting teenagers with their natural environment, promoting the understanding of the dry forest and the ocean, is an extraordinary achievement. I believe that people protect what they know and love. Personally, it has been extremely satisfactory to work with teenagers and see first hand, how they become our ocean and forest guardians.Besides promoting the understanding of ecosystems and the importance of preserving them, this project aims to open the horizons to the participants by showing them how they can dream and become anything they want and pursue different careers. My aim is to keep working on this project long term, increase the number of participants, create awareness among teenagers about the importance of protecting the environment and eventually see them happy pursuing their dreams.”
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