More than 100 young people to be part of the first Environmental Network of Tocopilla

The Mr. Barber Foundation, with support from SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition and the Municipality of Tocopilla, has launched the Environmental Network program to train environmental innovators and leaders. This environmental initiative will benefit 100 students from five educational institutions, providing them essential tools and training to promote environmental stewardship.

The schools involved—Sagrada Familia, República de Estados Unidos, Arturo Prat, Carlos Condell and Domingo Latrille—will be part of this pilot project to promote ecological awareness, creating support networks for workshops and field work.

In that context, the director of the Mr. Barber Foundation, Carolina Elgueta, commented, “Through this network we are going to develop an entire program of sustainable climate action with the children. Working from their perspective, we will co-create actions and strive to understand what motivates them to develop beautiful, positive initiatives that directly benefit their families and communities. Therefore, we invite everyone to join this process starting this year in Tocopilla.”

In addition, Environmental Network participants can engage in extra activities involving the community and institutions that aim to improve the local surroundings.

The Mr. Barber Foundation is committed to the integral development of citizens and families by promoting sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives. With the support of SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition and the Municipality of Tocopilla, it seeks to create a greener, more sustainable future for the community.

Marcela Olivos, Head of Pampa Community Relations for SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, commented, “We are very pleased to promote this initiative with the Mr. Barber Foundation, where over 100 students from different schools in Tocopilla are participating. I invite neighbors, teachers and different organizations to strengthen this environmental network to jointly contribute to local sustainable development.

According to Rodrigo Varas, Head of Environmental Education at the República de Estados Unidos School and a witness to this inaugural milestone: “It seems like a powerful opportunity since it links different organizations, actors and schools in the district to further build environmental awareness in the area. We hope this initiative can reach as many people as possible, starting with the environmental groups at each school.”

Finally, Yanira Diaz, a sixth-grade student at Escuela República de Estados Unidos School, who will be one of the 100 students in this network, explained, “I think it’s cool to be part of this group where we will learn more and have new experiences related to environmental care. I’m excited to teach more people at home about it.”