San Lorenzo, Boys & Girls Clubs partner to promote agriculture education among youth
By THE STAR STAFF
The Municipality of San Lorenzo and Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico have signed a collaborative agreement to introduce children and young people to agriculture through hands-on educational experiences that would foster environmental awareness, community engagement and an appreciation for the island’s farming sector.
Mayor Jaime Alverio Ramos announced that the initiative will be coordinated through the municipality’s Office of Agriculture, led by Maritza Ortiz. The program will provide students from kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as their families, with opportunities to participate in agricultural workshops, field activities, and educational projects focused on farming, natural resource conservation and sustainable community development.
Municipal officials said the partnership is intended to offer participants direct experiences with nature while helping them develop values such as responsibility, teamwork, environmental stewardship and civic engagement.
“When we teach a child how to plant, we are not only showing them how to cultivate the land, but also how to cultivate values, responsibility, and appreciation for our own resources,” Alverio Ramos said in a statement. “We want our children and young people to understand the richness of our agricultural heritage, learn to protect our natural resources, and discover the opportunities available in this important sector. Every seed we plant today represents hope for the future of San Lorenzo.”
Ortiz said the program seeks to strengthen connections between youth, their families, and the agricultural sector while increasing awareness of agriculture’s role in food security.
“Our goal is for every child and young person to have the opportunity to connect with the land, learn where their food comes from, and understand the importance of protecting our natural resources,” Ortiz said. “Through these workshops and agricultural experiences, we hope to inspire future careers, strengthen family bonds, and cultivate a lasting appreciation for agriculture among the next generation.”
Officials said the collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico is also designed to encourage young people to view agriculture as a viable educational, professional and personal development pathway, helping build a new generation committed to the well-being of their communities and environment.
Alverio Ramos emphasized that the municipality will continue developing partnerships and initiatives that expand agricultural education opportunities and support generational renewal within the farming sector.
“In San Lorenzo, we are planting much more than seeds,” the mayor said. “We are planting knowledge, opportunities, and a brighter future for the generations to come.”
