Costa Rican Youths Learn About the Importance of Sustainability

Everyone deserves the chance to travel. All too often, seeing the world is a privilege reserved for the global elite. At Elevate Destinations, we bridge the divide. Our goal is to connect local youths to their own environments, as travelers, and as stewards.

Through our innovative Buy a Trip, Give a Trip model, your trip purchase creates fun new travel opportunities for local kids. For the first time, they experience nearby natural and cultural wonders. They see the sites, have fun, and make the kind of travel memories that we take for granted. Here’s just one example of Buy a Trip, Give a Trip in action:

The Travelers:

Hogar Excelencia Familiar Children’s home in Monserrat, a small community in San Jose, is home to 22 young children and adolescents. These youth were abandoned or found at risk where they were previously living. Elevate Destinations, in partnership with Unique Adventures Costa Rica, collaborated on an itinerary to introduce the children to their new neighborhood in an exciting outing. The theme of the trip was the importance of sustainability and creating a greener future.

The Details:

The day began at the magical Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, a refuge for all to experience the joys of these lovely creatures and learn about the critical role butterflies play in keeping a balanced ecosystem. As there are no more forested areas in the province of San Jose, the garden acts as a natural haven for the city.

The kids enjoyed their morning snack while sitting among the locals — a hot beverage clasped in one hand, and an “empanada” in the other. Gooey cheese stretched from the hot pastry with every mouthful; each bite savored just as much as the last.

With warm bellies and plenty of energy, the group made their way to Armonia Natural, an organization providing education about wildlife, nature, sustainability, and volunteering. The staff gave a talk about recycling and compost before the children had an opportunity to let their young imaginations flourish while discovering the elf tree, the organic garden, and the labyrinth.

One major topic covered throughout the day was the need to avoid the use of plastic in everyday life, and the effects one-use plastic packaging has on our environment. As Costa Rica aims to become the world’s first plastic-free and carbon-free country by 2021, the education of youths is a critical step in sustaining this model.

Partner Organization:

Excelencia Familiar is an organization providing shelter and care for abandoned children and adolescents. The children’s home focuses on the development in these crucial years of learning. They recognize the importance of this life stage. Excelencia Familiar wants to create self-esteem, confidence, and security for these youths and empower them for their future. They aim to provide comprehensive care to help improve their health, create a new life, and bring hope.

Firsts:

• Being taken care of by a professional tour company
• Learning about the history of their new home
• Visiting the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden to realize the importance of ecosystems
• Hearing about wildlife, nature, sustainability, and volunteering at Armonia Natural
• Joining in a workshop to discover the birds of Costa Rica

Have a read of more Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.