Join the Climate Hug Movement: Lavoie Inspires Ballenas Students to Tackle Environmental Challenges

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Alli Lavoie, a dedicated teacher at Ballenas Secondary School in Parksville. With 15 years of teaching under her belt, nine of them at Ballenas, Lavoie is passionate about the environment and her students.

Three years ago, she took part in a training session with the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Zero Waste Program. This inspired her to start an Eco Club at the school. She knew many students wanted to take action on environmental issues. The Eco Club provides a platform for them to learn, socialize, and get involved with recycling and other initiatives.

The club is open to all students and meets during lunch, occasionally using class time for projects. One of their first major efforts was implementing a composting and recycling system at the school, supported by a Zero Waste grant. This ongoing project includes waste audits and teaching Grade 8 students about recycling as they enter the school.

Eco Club members actively promote recycling and composting. They’ve learned public speaking skills and spread the word about using reusable bags and straws, avoiding single-use plastics. Recently, a group attended a climate symposium, and they’re planning lessons for their peers. They hope to engage with younger students in elementary schools to share their knowledge.

The club has partnered with local organizations like Streamkeepers and Friends of Shelley Creek to address invasive species. On Earth Day, they planted trees alongside Kwalikum Secondary School students and have participated in several tree-planting events with the Nature Trust. Their community involvement continues with plans to work with the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society.

Lavoie believes the Eco Club has thrived, embracing community service opportunities as they arise. She hopes some students will focus on environmental topics for their Grade 12 capstone projects, encouraging them to think critically about the future.

Bringing this vision to life speaks volumes about Lavoie’s leadership. She has opened doors for students to understand and tackle local environmental issues through hands-on experiences. As a gesture of appreciation, a $50 donation will be made in her name to support local wildlife enhancement efforts.

This initiative is not just about education; it’s about fostering a generation that cares. Schools are crucial in shaping future leaders, especially in addressing pressing issues like climate change. According to a recent survey, over 70% of students want their schools to take more action on environmental sustainability. The Eco Club at Ballenas Secondary School is a fantastic example of how young people can make a difference.

In a world facing significant environmental challenges, initiatives like Lavoie’s Eco Club demonstrate the power of education and community efforts. By involving students directly in environmental stewardship, they’re not just learning; they’re becoming proactive members of their community.

For more on the importance of environmental education, check out the National Environmental Education Foundation.

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Parksville|Climate