Just over two dozen Moanalua middle schoolers are hoping to making a change in their community. They’ve taken on a challenge to save the planet one plant at a time.
Inspired by the Disney Planet challenge, a national environmental competition, these kids are learning one plant at a time what it means to care for your community.
The contest, which encourages kids to dig up a problem and turn it into a sustainable and green student project, was brought to the school’s attention by 7th grader Eva Ramos.
Eva says, "Disney inspired me to make a change."
They have to do research. They have to write letters to businesses and companies. They have to design, they have to problem solve, they have to make decisions," says science teacher Danyalle Chun.
The small group of students took a storage and dump site on campus called, "The Cage," and transformed it.
"This area was full twenty by four feet of just furniture, damaged furniture, rubbish… so it was really hazardous," Chun says.
The items were disposed of and reusable ones donated. Now the students are planting the seeds to grow new life.
"I am learning more and more each day about aquaponics and worming, and like, planting and stuff," Eva says.
Seventh grader Trey Dumlao says, "it’s actually fun. It’s making me look forward to school."
They plan to sell the produce to keep the garden growing and will donate some of the vegetables to Tripler Hospital. The final project portfolio is due on February 15 and they hope to win an all expenses paid trip to Disney World and a $10,000 grant.
"I just want everyone that comes here to have that home environment, like if their parents are into gardening, they see all of this and they’ll be inspired to start their own one day," Eva says.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
