Patagonia 2024: Pioneering Sustainable Education
In the heart of Patagonia, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Chile’s Aysén region, our group of intrepid adventurers embarked on a mission unlike any other. Our goal? To bolster the quaint village of Villa Cerro Castillo into a beacon of agroecological education and environmental stewardship. Our latest project, funded by a generous grant from Patagonia Inc. and our group of volunteers, has not only seen the construction of an outdoor classroom within our Huerta Verde Esperanza garden in LBRCC but also marked the launch of our Chilean chapter NGO Fundación Renoval—founded by our very own Sarah Nguyen and Sebastián Arriagada—and fostered a burgeoning partnership with local NGO Naturaleza Pública.
Dubbed “Mi Aula Ambiental” (My Environmental Classroom), this outdoor haven is a testament to the power of collaborative effort and shared vision. Alongside the construction of the classroom, a medicinal plant garden now flourishes beside the greenhouse, offering students and the community a hands-on learning experience in native plant cultivation and natural medicine as passed down by the ancestors of the region. This initiative received a nod of approval from Chile's SLEP (Local Public Education Services), integrating regenerative agriculture and agroecology into the Aysen Region’s curriculum as part of the "New Public Education" initiative.
The project has not only laid the physical foundations for education but also sowed the seeds for future growth. As Trek Relief prepares to hand over the reins to the local community of Villa Cerro Castillo, plans are afoot to replicate this success in new locales, continuously expanding their vision of agroecological education.
The expedition was a melting pot of culture, passion, and dedication, comprising six individuals including four donors and two program managers, enriched by the presence of three local women from Naturaleza Pública, a local Aysenino cook, and a local power couple trekking guide & cook team.
From its inception, the project was a community affair, with local participation peaking during volunteer days and an inauguration ceremony that welcomed the broader community into the fold. This ceremony, broadcasted on Radio Aluen and celebrated with local dignitary Municipality of Río Ibáñez, heralded a new chapter in environmental education for the Aysén region.
The trek portion of our trip was punctuated with highlights that spanned cultural exchange, gastronomic delights, and immersive nature experiences. From sharing insights with local Chilenos to enjoying dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and trekking through the unspoiled beauty of Patagonia National Park, each moment was a step closer to understanding and preserving the natural world.
As Trek Relief looks to the horizon, the path forward in Patagonia is bright with the promise of new projects and partnerships. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with collaboration, innovation, and a deep respect for nature, sustainable education can flourish in even the most remote corners of our planet.
Trek Relief Founder Candice Young Shines in Shoutout LA Feature
In an inspiring testament to the power of vision and determination, Candice Young, the founder of Trek Relief, has been spotlighted in a recent feature by Shoutout LA, a platform celebrating the movers and shakers making a difference in their communities.
In her conversation with Shoutout LA, Candice discusses the genesis of Trek Relief, the pivotal moments that have defined its path, and the underlying values that guide its operations. From empathetic understanding across diverse cultures to the promotion of conscious travel that minimizes environmental impact, the feature story captures the essence of what Trek Relief stands for.
Read the full article and discover the inspiring story of Candice Young and Trek Relief here: Meet Candice Young - Adventure Nonprofit Founder.
As Trek Relief continues to chart a course for impactful change, this feature stands as a beacon of what passionate leadership and community collaboration can achieve. Join us on this journey to empower, inspire, and connect.
Trek Relief Marks Seven Years of Global Impact and Adventure
As we celebrate Trek Relief’s seventh birthday today, we find ourselves deeply grateful for the path we've journeyed—from a humble initiative to aid a Himalayan community to unveiling six transformative trips in 2024, including new ventures into the heart of Peru and Bali and a welcomed return to the majestic landscapes of Mongolia. This milestone celebrates our growth and underscores our evolution into a beacon for impactful travel and community empowerment.
2024 heralds the introduction of three vibrant new Trip Leaders and Program Creators alongside the rollout of Trip Leader and Program Manager training programs. These developments bring us closer to realizing a vision where our model of fundraising and volunteerism becomes more accessible, scalable, and impactful. It's a vision made possible by our growing community's unwavering support and enthusiasm, whose commitment to making a difference mirrors ours.
As we enter our eighth year, we invite you to join us on these adventures to explore, connect, and make a difference. We thank every individual who has journeyed with us, contributed to our projects, and shared in our mission. Your support has been instrumental in every step we've taken and every life we've touched. Here's to making more meaningful impacts together!