Recently, second grade students lived a unique experience that combines learning, creativity and environmental commitment. Inspired by a visit to the “Voices for the Climate” park, where they explored a recycling plant and reflected on the impact of pollution, the children embarked on a project that transformed and impacted their engagement with their school community: the creation of a vertical garden at the school. During the visit, students observed how waste can be turned into useful resources if managed properly. This raised questions such as: How can we contribute from our school to take care of the environment? Motivated by these concerns, they began planning the garden, integrating recycling and innovative technology into its design. With the support of their teachers and families, the students collected recyclable materials such as plastic bottles and wood to build the structure. In addition, they designed a drip irrigation system, which allowed them to optimize water use and care for the plants efficiently. Catalina, one of the students, shared, “I really liked using the bottles for the garden. Now I know I can use the bottles again to do something to make the world better.” For his part, Luciano added, “I learned that water is very important and that we can save it with this garden.”

The vertical garden went from being an experience to becoming a community learning space. In it, students have begun to plant different seeds while putting into practice values such as responsibility, teamwork and creativity. This experience allowed them to connect concepts seen in class, such as water care and biodiversity, with practical and meaningful actions.
This project stands out for its contextualized approach: the children not only learned about sustainability, but also became agents of change in their school community. This initiative demonstrates that, from an early age, students can make a difference and contribute to a more sustainable world.
This vertical garden is not only a visual and ecological achievement, but also an invaluable lesson on how commitment and creativity can transform ideas into concrete actions.