Trash comes from various sources. Some is left by locals who assume the environment will take care of it, while some washes ashore from the ocean, originating from other communities on the Bay Islands or the mainland, where rivers are often treated as dumping grounds. Out of sight, out of mind. However, the issue is that this pollution affects their own environment and a key food source: the ocean.
Once a month, the approximately 100 students from The Bay Islands International School in Sandy Bay, Roatan, participate in cleaning up their surroundings, including the beach. Principal Gary Lee Gates explains that this initiative is an integral part of their education, and the students are enthusiastic about contributing to the cleanup efforts.
On Monday, August 11, RUG joined them, providing gloves and trash bags, as we worked together to make the area cleaner. Our team also included honorary member Heidi Blake Maly, one of the Five Island Sisters.
While it's inspiring to see children take the lead in cleaning up, it's disheartening that they form the majority, with adults often neglecting their responsibility to keep the environment clean.
Following the cleanup, we formalized the new *Interact Club with members from the school. President Angela gave a brief introduction to Rotary and Interact, followed by the distribution of certificates with support from Heidi. Principal Gary will oversee and organize the club with the backing from RUG. We extend our congratulations and welcome them to our community of proactive individuals united for good! Roger, the Public Image Chair, will provide lessons in storytelling and effective communication.
What does this mean for Rotary and the Bay Islands, President Angela?
“Sponsoring an Interact club is crucial for us as it allows young people to experience the joy of Rotary, develop leadership skills, and understand how they can contribute to their communities and the Bay Islands by collaborating with other organizations and clubs. We aim to broaden their horizons by introducing them to other Interact clubs worldwide that share their passion. Who knows, maybe we will cultivate future Rotarians?”
Our abacus initiative continues! Our goal is to provide abacuses to all kindergartens on the Bay Islands to help young children with counting and colors. RUG delivered the second batch to the children in the school’s kindergarten who hadn't yet received one, and they were delighted. This operation is a collaboration between The Five Island Sisters, who supply the items, and RUG, who ensures distribution to all eligible recipients.
Heidi Blake Maly teaches the children on how to use the abacuses. 
*Interact is a global youth service organization for individuals aged 12-18, sponsored by a Rotary club. More information here
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Are you looking for more stories from and about the people, their culture, society, and history? Why don’t you visit https://bay-islands-magazine.com/