Happy Earth Day!

This Earth Day, we honor the traditions, wisdom, and work that protect the Earth every day—not just through celebrations, but through lived experience passed down across generations.

Through Safe Passage’s Expeditions during the first six months of the year, the focus is on Natural Sciences, including ecosystems, environmental awareness, civic responsibilities, medicinal plants, and responsible citizenship—all connecting to this year’s Earth Day theme: Our Power, Our Planet.

Our Power, Our Planet makes us think of our students’ own power and agency as environmental superheroes and guardians of the Earth. Indigenous communities in Guatemala have long nurtured ways of life that are in harmony with the natural world—growing diverse crops, stewarding resources, and holding the Earth as sacred. That wisdom lives on through many of the families who make up the Safe Passage community, and it continues to shape how the next generation sees the world around them.

Earlier this month, student leaders spent time teaching younger peers in English, Spanish, and Kaqchikel about the environmental impact of plastic waste—role models shaping education and their futures.

Safe Passage’s “expeditions” are interdisciplinary research projects that help students apply knowledge to real-world scenarios in a culturally- appropriate way.

From the youngest three year olds who learn to plant seeds and nurture their growth to elementary students taking on medicinal plants, water conservation, ecological preservation, to adolecents taking on sustainable actions and community engagement, Safe Passage students build on their own knowledge and potential, discovering the power they already hold to shape a better world.

What are Expeditions?

“Expeditions” are interdisciplinary research projects that help students apply knowledge to real-world scenarios in a culturally-appropriate way. Elementary School Expeditions in elementary school are designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications. Each grade participates in two annual expeditions, one focused on Natural Sciences and the other on Social Sciences, encouraging curiosity, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.

First and Second Grade

Students in the early grades explore foundational topics such as nature and community systems. First graders’ expeditions are “Cultivating Life,” where they learn about ecosystems, and “Public Servants,” which introduces them to civic responsibilities.

Second graders take part in “Green Pharmacy,” focusing on medicinal plants, and “Road Safety Education,” which teaches responsible citizenship.

Third and Fourth Grade

As students advance, expeditions become more complex. Third graders explore cultural and environmental themes with “Towns of Guatemala,” which explores national traditions, and “For a Blue World,” which dives into water conservation. Fourth graders explore “Guardians of the Earth,” learning about ecological preservation, and “Central Market,” which examines Guatemala’s economic and social dynamics.

Fifth and Sixth Grade

Fifth- and sixth-graders take on leadership roles in environmental and social projects. In fifth grade, “Environmental Heroes” inspires sustainability actions, while “Agents of Change” addresses social issues. Sixth graders conclude their elementary expeditions with “Environmental Protagonists,” fostering eco-friendly initiatives, and “Social Fabric,” which promotes community engagement.

Expeditions are designed to help students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for deeper academic exploration in later years.

As they grow together, students build on their own knowledge and potential, discovering the power they already hold to shape a better world.

As guardians, role models, and planet Earth superheroes.