Gaia Riverlodge
Project
El Progresso Community School lies not far outside the rainforest and Pine Ridge Forest reserves of Belize within a small community built not long ago by settling immigrants. Approximately 150 children, ages 4 through 14, attend the school, which was founded in 1997.
As El Progresso is the closest school to Gaia River Lodge, we feel personally responsible for continuing the progression of our neighboring community for a more self-sustainable, off-grid experience. By providing educational materials, we accelerate development and strengthen the community.
Needs
General School Supplies:
*Book Bags, Chalk, College-Ruled Paper, Colored Construction Paper, *Colored Pencils, Crayons, Dry-Erase Markers, *Erasers, *Fine Rules, Glue Sticks, *Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Markers, *Notebooks, *Pencils, Pencil Cases/Bags, *Pens, Protractors, Rulers, *Typing Paper, and Wide-Ruled Paper
Reference Materials:
(English) Dictionaries
Flash Cards:
(English and Spanish) Alphabet, Math, and Word
Laminated Wall Charts:
(English) Math, Science, and World Maps
Text/Reading Books:
(English) Biology, General Science, Health, Language/Grammar, and Math
Art Supplies:
Craft Glue, Craft Scissors, Watercolor Paints, and Watercolor Paint Brushes
Computer Hardware/Software:
Tablets
Educational Games/Toys:
Puzzles, and Stuffed Animals/Soft Toys
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Frisbees, Jump Ropes, and Soccer Balls
Office Supplies:
Markers, Pencils, Pens, and Scissors
Gardening:
Gardening Gloves and Hand Forks
Health/Personal Grooming:
Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, and *Water Bottles
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
