Camino Claro Blog

ECC is on its way to “going green”, thanks to Green Wave’s support!

In January 2009, ECC caught the attention of the Los Angeles-based environmental non-profit, Green Wave, and its “Green Girl Guru” founder, Janine Johnson. Since then, the organization has been influential and inspiring in our community education center’s progress toward environmental education and community development. In fact, it was through our connection with Green Wave that ECC’s “sponsorship” with The EDGE Foundation was born!

But first, a little bit about this new, progressive organization that ECC is so grateful to be collaborating with…

What is Green Wave?

Green Wave is a dynamic, environmental non-profit dedicated to establishing precedents for change and redefining activism. Green Wave provides service to companies to create and fund ecolistical initiatives to inspire waves of change in both local and global communities. Green Wave is people-powered by a collaboration of other like-minded companies and organizations. Green Wave works business to business with companies and other organizations in the creation and strategic implementation of ecolistical projects that give back to their communities.

Mission
To inspire waves of change by creating living examples focused on living consciously, peacefully, and harmoniously with the environment and with each other for the well being of our planet.

Goal
To create green/restorative developments and education initiatives

“Health for people and planet is the new currency” –Janine Johnson

Green Wave Projects and Events

Green Wave believes that companies are integral for catalyzing the waves of change necessary for a sustainable future. Apart from working with such companies as the Grammy-nominated band, The Crystal Method, NextAid, Sabertec, Kalia Modern Eco-Living, and Green Addict, Green Wave has also hosted several events:

The Green Heart Eco-Yoga Day Fundraiser
The fundraiser took place in February 2009 was held in celebration of International Yoga Day.  As with any Green Wave event, it was a green event and meant to bring mindfulness to sustainable living concepts which are in harmony with yogic practices. It was from proceeds from this event that Green Wave was able to finance the EDGE Curriculum for ECC’s 2010 classes donation was also made to the Golfo Dulce’s Anti-Tuna Farm Campaign.  Click here for more info about this event.

Earthdance 2009
The world’s largest synchronized music and dance festival for peace. Since its inception, Earthdance has been held on over 500 locations in 80 countries with all events simultaneously joining together in the Prayer for Peace - a powerful moment of coherent intention.

Each public Earthdance event gives 50% of their profits to a charity that falls into one of the following categories:
-The Welfare of Children & Urban Youth
-Indigenous Peoples & Cultures
-International Relief and Development
-Environmental Sustainability & Protection
-Organizations that help Promote Peace

Earthdance occurs annually every September in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace with the intention to build a Culture of Peace.  On September 26th, 2009, Green Wave was the beneficiary of the San Diego Earthdance.  Green Wave worked in collaboration with the producer of the event, Green Addict, to introduce, implement & inspire sustainable practices and living to both the event and the attendees. Click here for more info about Earthdance.

The future is bright (and green!)

On behalf of everyone at Escuela Camino Claro, we would like to say THANK YOU to Green Wave for its support and inspiration! ECC looks forward to a positive future and an enduring relationship with Green Wave.

ECC has officially wrapped up its second year and wow, what a great year!

I was forced to accept that the year had come to and end a couple weeks ago as Haley and I were cleaning the school and sorting through our abundance of papers, books, hidden frogs, crabs, and all of the usual things one finds in a schoolhouse at the end of the year. After three years in Pavones we have learned so much and started many projects in the community. But most importantly, our community education center has become a valued resource for Pavones’ residents.

The 2009 school year was more successful than last year for many reasons; mainly due to the fact that we nearly doubled our average number of local Costa Rican students, something which Haley and I have made a major goal since the school’s launch. Here are a few statistics to sum up our success this year.

• Monthly average student enrollment in 2008 was 23.
• Monthly average student enrollment in 2009 was 34.
• Monthly average of local Costa Rican students in 2008 was 13.
• Monthly average of local Costa Rican students in 2009 was 24.

Recycling in Pavones

When I look back on the many projects that ECC collaborated on this year, I am most proud of our work to implement a regular recycling pick-up service in Pavones. Though it may be something that only Haley and I can appreciate, I have to admit that I have come to love the sight of black plastic bags overflowing with recyclables and piled high along ECC’s outside wall. You might ask why is the recycling left at our school? Well, it’s the most convenient place for the community to leave their bottles and cans, but the downside is that the recycle truck isn’t exactly punctual! Although it’s not necessarily a pretty sight, it does represent that the community is becoming more aware: well worth it. While we are back in the US for the winter months, Lili from Mira Olas Cabinas will continue to arrange pick-up dates and people will still leave all their recycling at the ECC building.

Other projects that ECC students and teachers were involved in:

• Mural project at the public school, Escuela Las Gemelas
• Mural project at the public school library
• Global Service Outreach Program (GSOP) with Kalapuya High School (follow link for more info!)
• Helping with fundraising to support the Golfo Dulce’s Anti-Tuna Farm campaign
• Beach clean-ups

A special THANK YOU to…

We would like to thank all of our supporters for giving Escuela Camino Claro the opportunity to continue existing and flourishing. We are so grateful to all who have allowed us to grow and continue to “bring communities together through education.”

• The EDGE (Early Development of Global Education) Charitable Foundation
• Gabe Hamel, Humans for Humanity LLC
• Janine Jonson, Green Wave LLC
• Sumo Sushi
• Calan Taylor, Kalapuya High School
• Tully Spring
• Dustin Haines
• Lisa LaMagna, Encanto Costa Rica
• Hadas Barkan
• Sam Claiborn
• Rebecca Quinn
• Lisa Thrash
• Siempre Domingo Bed & Breakfast
• Cafe de la Suerte
• Clear River Sports & Adventures
• Amy & Alex Outerbridge
• Katie Kalmbach
• Billy Scorer
• Downtown Languages
• Seattle University Alumni Magazine
• CostaRica.com Blog

And all friends, family and donors/supporters of the 2009 Pura Vida Fundraiser & Silent Auction

…we apologize if anyone was forgotten… THANK YOU!!

The 2010 school year will resume in February

But in the meantime please continue to check out our blog for updates and news. We look forward to a positive future for Escuela Camino Claro and wish for you all to be a part of it!

Pura Vida,

Raphel & Haley