Valley of Peace SDA Students Paint Murals Against Pollution

This morning, in Cayo District, students from the Valley of Peace Seventh Day Adventist Academy participated in a Youth Climate Action Bus Stop Painting competition in their village. Over the past two weeks, these dedicated youths have given up their weekends and free time to create vibrant murals and anti-pollution messages on three bus stops. The initiative is supported by the British High Commission’s office, which has provided experiential prizes, and the Belize Maya Forest Trust, which is collaborating with the students on various environmental protection projects. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene and filed this report.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

While crime often grabs the headlines, the students at Valley of Peace Seventh Day Adventist Academy are quietly making a difference by prioritizing the environment. For the past several weeks, these dedicated youths have sacrificed their free time to paint vibrant murals and anti-pollution messages on three bus stops. It’s their unique way of voicing their concerns and making a positive impact in their community.

 

Gabreal Col, Student, Valley of Peace S.D.A. Academy

“There is a part that has forest fires and a lot of animals running away from those fires. We know that Valley of Peace is surrounded by industries and we do not come and see those animals anymore.”

 

Dalila Molina, Student, Valley of Peace S.D.A. Academy

“If you put fires, you should check them so it doesn’t spread; don’t leave glass or things like that because when the sun is too hot, it like reflects and it makes and it causes fire then.”

 

Marion Ali

Or lit cigarette.

 

Dalila Molina

“Yes. That’s, that’s one.”

 

Gabreal Col and Dalila Molina shared that their group’s murals highlight the serious impact human actions can have on wildlife and the environment. They pointed out that reckless behaviors, like causing forest fires, can displace or even kill wildlife, throwing the food chain off balance. This disruption can eventually affect humans too, as we rely on the forest for food. Their artwork also illustrates the harmful effects of water and air pollution on various forms of life. The competition, promoted by the Belize Maya Forest Trust and led by Dr. Elma Kay, emphasizes the importance of instilling good environmental practices from a young age.

 

Dr. Elma Kay, Managing Director, Belize Maya Forest Trust

“We are looking at a project that. Is looking at empowering young voices for speaking up about climate change. The theme is really, you know, speak up, inspire, and make a difference. And it is about promoting those young voices. This is in partnership with the British High Commission. And so the students have come up with a diversity of activities and projects. Yesterday we had a cleanup in the community, and today is the bus stop competition.”

 

Co-sponsors, the British High Commission’s Office, represented to by Deputy British High Commissioner, Robert Ower.

 

Robert Ower, Deputy British High Commissioner to Belize

“We’re keen to empower youth. These are the future leaders, so it’s very important that we instill these environmental behaviors in them at a young age, and then they can then lead future generations and be environmentally aligned. So we see this as an excellent initiative. It’s making people think.”

 

School principal, Justine Myvett explained that the school really just encouraged the students with ideas they already had to get the message across.

 

Justine Myvett, Principal, Valley of Peace S.D.A. Academy

“The kids were talking to us about the idea of doing a project here in the community, and we decided to try at art expression for youths. It’s very powerful. It’s a way to show different persons of the community that the students are feeling the various. Impacts of climate change and they are concerned about their future.”

 

Marion Ali for News Five.