Earth Week 2011 began with a 5K run organized by Managua Runners. Over 60 UAM-CUSE students and professors used the run to promote a greener planet. During the rest of the week, over 150 students participated in conferences conducted by nationally known speakers as well as activities that included a movie marathon, recycling, and a sale of environmentally friendly foods.
The lead conference, Water and Education, was presented by RTI Director, Carolina Castro, who talked about the need for water in schools, a vital element in improving student attendance, especially for female students. Access to water in schools is related to educational quality which is so important for developing nations. Many UAM-CUSE students volunteered to help raise funds for this social program initiative seeking to bring water to over 11,000 public schools in Nicaragua. It is hoped that this project will begin in the Fall of 2011.
Another conference was conducted by Dr Federico Muñoz, Dean of UAM’s School of Medicine on the topic of Health and Environment, whostressed how important environmental quality is to good health. He also depicted the challenges that future generations will be facing in health fields
due to the deterioration of our environment.
Israel Lewites, president of WE Biosolutions, continued the series with his presentation on Water Treatment. He illustrated the process thatsewagegoes through in order to become pure enough for our usage. He successfully created interest in the students about the process of water treatment.
In continuation, Dr. Alejandro Aguilar, Dean of the Faculty of Legal and Social Sciences, and representatives of La Brujula magazine presented the documentary, “Trip to the Stars.” This gave the audience a new perspective on our planet and its place in the universe. The documentary placed the creation of the universe in time and space, contributing to a deeper understanding of our home, Earth. As our only home, we must care for it!
*A special award was given to law student Andrea Marie Quezada who presented an essay on the Rights of Planet Earth during Earth Week 2011! Congratulations Andrea! That is the spirit!
Finally, the Department of Design and Visual Communication together with UAM-CUSE opened a contest for slogan, logo, and poster for Earth Week 2011! Winners were rewarded and recognized during a short ceremony where their work was presented to UAM students. Israel Lewites, winner of an Icaro, was also present as jury in this activity and gave feedback on submitted videos! Students participating began working on this, weeks before Earth Week began. Congratulations to all winners!.
