TESTIMONIALS
Jessica Harvey, Galapagos
ICE volunteer, helping a Galapagos pioneer Lucho Ayala.
Photo by Emily Pozo. Copyright 2006
Lourdes Swim,
Ponte En Forma Santa Cruz participant Santa Cruz "I can finally
walk up and down hills without problems. I feel more energetic."
Loma Linda student responding in
English to questions from students in Eva Boyd's Spanish class. Photo
by Emily Pozo.
Cleopatra, English Teacher at Colegio
Nacional Galapagos, Santa Cruz
"I'm very grateful with you because this
workshop was very important for me. I learned more about how to
improve my class and many strategies for applying in my classes."
Melissa Timko, Elementary School Teacher and
Galapagos ICE volunteer
I love that I got to actually connect with colleagues (teachers) from so far
away from my home--physically far, as well as culturally! I learned so
much from them, although I was here to teach. I love that I got to
actually live here, not just be a tourist. I made friends from all
over the world due to this experience.
Patricia Weigant, Biology Professor Peace
College, USA
The features of the
Galapagos Islands that attract tourists—unique plants and animals
derived from eons of isolation—are also the very factors that make the
islands sensitive to human impact. As tourism increases, a
well-informed resident population will need to balance economic goals
with protection of the islands. Education of the upcoming generations
will be key in this process. Foundations such as Galapagos I.C.E., and
international partnerships between schools, have an immediate impact on
the students of the Galapagos, improve the lives of residents on the
islands, and foster conservation. With the help of Galapagos I.C.E.,
Peace College in Raleigh, North Carolina, has “adopted” the Oswaldo
School on Santa Cruz. Through fund-raising, electronic communication
between students, and a planned trip in 2007, we hope that our students
will benefit in their appreciation of global issues while helping the
students and families of the Galapagos. The liaison, communication, and
logistical support provided by Galapagos I.C.E. make all of this
possible.
Eva Boyd, Spanish Teacher Canada
Fate
was good to me the day I met Emily Pozo. Thanks to that chance encounter
and most importantly Emily's follow-up, our school has now established a
meaningful dialogue with a school in Santa Cruz. The first step has been
to set up an email pen pal exchange. Emily has been an energetic and
steadfast promoter of this inter-cultural exchange, facilitating the
processes with conviction and determination, believing as I do that it
is through education and awareness-raising of all our young people that
we can bring about effective and positive change. I am very happy to be
involved with Emily Pozo and her organization, Galapagos ICE, and very
much look forward to an expanding relationship over the next few years.
Jessica Harvey, Volunteer,
Canada
Teaching has provided me with an
opportunity to push my limits, step out of my comfort zone, and
realize my true potential. It has given me the chance to completely
immerse myself in a new culture, connect with the people, and make a
difference by capacitating the people for future success all the while
enriching both mine and their lives.
Life is what you make of it, and
volunteering has enabled me to enrich the lives of others, as well as
learning about myself and growing into the unique person I am today.
Everyone should have the opportunity to pass on that little bit of
knowledge, or passion in life because only through enriching the lives
of others and making a difference where it counts do you really grow
as a complete person.
