Marking Earth Day at Central Christian Primary
World Earth Day is a global celebration to highlight and show appreciation for our natural environment. One primary school in Belize City used the occasion to show how trash can be recycled into artwork of the local wildlife; and in the process, the school compound got a facelift. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
April twenty-second is celebrated annually as World Earth Day and for the second year in a row, Atlantic Bank Limited has partnered with a school to recognize the occasion. Today, at the Central Christian Primary School in Belize City, the bank put off a ceremony highlighting six wildlife animals in Belize as well as the planting of several palm trees along the perimeter fence of the school compound.
Demar Villar
Demar Villar, Credit Administrator, Atlantic Bank Ltd.
“We decided to partner with our neighbors. This is the second year we’re doing this type of dilation in using recyclable materials; in this case, old tires—that some people consider trash. Last year, we did the same donation for Earth Day at the Chan Chen School. Like I said, old tires might be considered trash to many, but when you take a look at these pieces of art, they don’t look like old tires to you. And another thing, we commissioned the artist to make animals of Belize. We want to bring out the flora and fauna of Belize: so we have crocodile, we have the jaguar; we have the famous jabiru stork and even a peccary.”
While this year’s campaign is all about environmental and climate literacy, the Bank commissioned Corozaleño artist, Alvaro Dominguez, to create the intricate pieces around the old-aged theme of reduce, reuse and recycle. According to Dominguez, it took him almost two months to finish the artwork using tires.
Alvaro Dominguez
Alvaro Dominguez, Artist
“It took like a week to make one because I have to go around collecting tires and looking for the tires that I am going to use for different animals because all of the tires are different so I have to choose the tires for the animals and the way the animals look. And I worked with the institute and thank Atlantic Bank for the opportunity to show my art. I do all kind of arts; just think about it and I can create anything. I can use any material and well I worked with the institute and Miss Anna, she’s the one that came up with the animals of Belize and I just think how to do it and I created the animals.”
The donation was most welcomed by the school because it also saw the perimeter fence get painted. According to Principal Helen Parker, the art pieces provide a tangible reference for the students’ knowledge.
Helen Parker
Helen Parker, Principal, Central Christian Primary School
“When they called to suggest that they wanted to plant these animals in our school yard, I was more than grateful and I welcomed it with an open arm. These animals will help our children to understand and to know the names of the wildlife in our country. It will help them to add a picture to a name. It will also come as an extra seat in the yard where they can sit down and relax.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
