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New Era Galapagos Foundation
Programs |
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Foreign Languages
The acquisition of a foreign language for a Galapagos resident provides countless personal, social, and economic opportunities. Not only does it help locals better serve the more than 60,000 tourists that visit Galapagos each year, it provides a new, sustainable alternative to fishing and allows for a mutual sharing of perspectives as contact between visitor and resident are made possible. More importantly, foreign language skills are not limited to tourism, but include areas such as scientific research, education, and many others. The foreign language program offers courses for children ages 4-12, teenagers ages 13-18, and adults at all skill levels. The classes are given by international volunteers trained in ESL instruction by WorldTeach, a project of the Harvard Center for International Development, as well as local professors. Students attend daily classes in the afternoons and evenings, depending on age and skill level. Our curriculum focuses on the natural habitat of the Galapagos Islands, emphasizing conversation, creativity, and interactive exercises over grammatical structures and rote memorization. Occasionally, audiovisuals such as cassette tapes and movies are utilized, and students are also asked to interview tourists to hone their skills. Thus far, the results have been very positive from a language standpoint, and, more importantly, many students seem to have adopted a more open attitude and awareness for conservation and environmental education. Art
Driving from the airport at the edge of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, one can't help but notice a mural depicting a variety of the unique and spectacular wildlife living in the Galapagos Islands. This mural, a project undertaken by Foundation staff and students, serves the dual purpose of reminding locals and visitors alike of the spectacular flora and fauna inhabiting the Galapagos Islands while providing an aesthetically pleasing entrance to the provincial capital. The Foundation's art program covers a variety of techniques aimed at developing concepts and skills while familiarizing the students with the ecology of the Islands. The program begins during the school year as an after school activity and extends into a summer camp program for children of all ages and skill levels. Children ages 4-12 and teens 13-18 participate in this project, taking away an appreciation for art and their Islands, while enhancing their own creativity and ability to think and create independently. Environmental Education
In coordination with local conservation authorities including the Galapagos National Park, we have developed an environmental education program covering important topics addressing the relevant challenges of conservation in the Galapagos Islands today including:
These and other topics are given on a regular basis to students of the Foundation's various programs and members of the local Scout group using movies, open forums, interactive games, and field trips with authorities specialized in the field. All of the work of the New Era Galapagos Foundation in favor of the community of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and San Cristobal island has as a central objective the awakening of creativity in local children in order to prepare them for their future as residents of the Galapagos Islands. We feel strongly that this objective will benefit the students, and the Galapagos Islands, as they move forward and become the next generation of leaders in local government, education, and other endeavors, as well as the future guardians of the Galapagos National Park. |
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