A look back on the 2024-2025 school year
What do you remember from your early educational years? What experiences were the most formative? A school field trip to a park or zoo? An art or music workshop? Perhaps it was an immersive language class by an inspiring teacher that planted the seeds for bilingualism. At the Careyes Foundation, we strive to offer programs that equip young minds with the tools to unlock brighter futures—fostering curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection to their environment, all while supporting the development of vibrant, sustainable communities. Join us in celebrating the achievements of the past school year, as we prepare for the next year to come.
Throughout 1,570 hours of English instruction across 12 rural primary schools, we combined the National English Curriculum materials with active breaks and music to offer dynamic and engaging classes aligned with state and national standards. Our English students said:
“I don’t like to write…[but] I liked writing letters to students in other schools. Before, I didn’t know the months in English, now it’s easier to say them!”
- 5th grader
“I liked the singing and dancing, we had a lot of fun” - 4th grader
“I liked the games, now I know a little more English” - 6th grader
We employed two new local English teachers in the early professional stage of their careers, both of whom are on the path to becoming nationally-certified teachers.
In early 2025, we organized our first local ecofair, Cuidemos a la Costa, where over 400 kids and teens learned about their natural surroundings and how to care for them from featured speakers and through interactive exhibits and activities from 14 different participating organizations. We also held our second annual Environmental Rally where local kids and parents from five communities had to resolve environmental challenges at stations run by 8 different organizations.
We changed young hearts and minds with respect to sea turtle and bird conservation, and empowered adolescents to promote conservation in their communities. Students who openly shared that they enjoyed eating sea turtle eggs were sworn in as Sea Turtle Guardians while visiting our sanctuary, making a commitment to educate their friends and families about the importance of conserving these endangered species. Others who wanted a pet parrot learned how buying parrots from illegal street vendors is a leading cause of their endangered status.
We promoted creativity and self-expression through art and music with our weekly in-school choir classes and two artist residencies. One hundred and thirty children across six communities received over 200 hours of programming in total. Through music, our students not only increased their technical skills and self esteem, they also journeyed across cultures and identities, learning songs in Italian, English, Chinese and Maori.
Mexican-American artist Eduardo Sarabia led workshops for 40 children embracing drawing, storytelling, and creation. Mexican artist Carlos Amorales collaborated with a local biologist of Sierra a Mar to blend conservation education with art through coral reef workshops and modular sculpture.
Through a series of mini-workshops offered as part of our Disaster Preparedness and Response Program, we focused on preparing communities and building resilience against natural disasters. Learn more on our blog! In collaboration with Civil Defense, we provided first aid and emergency procedure training, as well as maintaining essential equipment like generators and chainsaws, ensuring that communities are ready in times of crisis.
Meanwhile, our Robotics Club continued to broaden horizons and expand opportunities for 15 students with hands-on learning in STEM.
We thank all our donors and volunteers for making these results possible. Your continued support will enable us to sustain this educational and enriching programming for our communities. Join us—donate today and be part of building a more sustainable and inspired future.
