The city of New Orleans became a remarkable living, interdisciplinary classroom for nine eighth-graders this spring break. Students participated in an array of hands-on activities and programs—from a swamp tour to volunteering at a local greenway festival—meant to deepen their understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Sustainable Cities and Communities.
This unique Holton Global Education program aims to help students build on their existing knowledge of New Orleans, part of the school's eighth-grade curriculum. The five-day trip gives the group opportunities to learn about continued rehabilitation efforts following Hurricane Katrina, the area's disappearing wetlands and marshes, urban planning and preparing for the future, and the unique history and culture of the city.
Each day, students met people and organizations working hard to strengthen the city and communities within New Orleans. For example, girls traveled to the Audubon Nature Institute and potted native trees to help reforest areas overwhelmed by invasive species following Hurricane Katrina; they met with an engineer who's been working to recreate wetlands through sediment diversion; and they collected trash from marsh areas after learning about its damaging impact on wildlife.
Students report that the trip was riveting, perspective-shifting, and incredibly inspiring. Girls shared their thoughts throughout the experience, final reflections, and photos on a trip blog. One attendee, Sophia, says she walked away from the experience feeling empowered. "If you see something in your community that you don't like, like too few water fountains, you should work to change it. After all, we are agents of change," she shares.
Read more trip reflections here on the blog. And stay tuned for more photo highlights, to be shared soon here!
