If you have been following our work for quite some time, but might have seen a section of our website called Kidz Korner. Today we want to dive in a little deeper and talk about how this initiative came to be, and how you can get involved!

A major part of conservation is involving the younger generations – because it is their future we are fighting to protect the most. As part of our work, we focus on education, not only for children but for communities and everyone who wants to be a part of conservation in Costa Rica. But when it comes to children, we know we can also learn a lot about their insights, their perspectives and encourage them to raise their voices and become active participants in the work we do. 

Toucan Rescue Ranch wants to give a special space for aspiring young conservationists! As a part of Toucan Rescue Ranch’s mission, we focus on environmental education to promise a brighter tomorrow for our wild and natural world. Education is a vital component to creating systematic and substantial change in today’s ever-changing world. So, when teaching the world about the importance of wildlife, who do we mainly want to talk to? Kids, of course!

Children, no matter their age, have a voice. It is important that Toucan Rescue Ranch provides a platform for young people to not only learn and grow but feel heard.

What is Kidz Korner?

Kidz Korner started as an initiative from a proactive kid who wanted to talk about conservation from her perspective. Her name is Sylvie, and her mom wrote to us asking if she could support our work in any way possible since she was interested in writing, fundraising, and learning about sloth conservation. 

We were so excited to have been reached out by a child who was so determined to get involved, we decided to create a space for her – and thus, Kidz Korner was born!

It is now a blog space where we encourage children from all over the world to get involved and write about their favorite subjects regarding conservation, wildlife, protecting the planet, and everything in between! 

What is the goal of Kidz Korner?

When we grow up, we tend to lose perspective of certain things. We forget we change, we lose touch with our inner child. Having children around us can teach us so much, and most importantly, help us remember. Remember why we want to take care of this planet and the life that inhabits it, why we care so much about our work, why we want to do things differently, and why we need to work together to do so. 

Kidz Korner represents a new learning possibility for staff, interns, volunteers, and supporters of Toucan Rescue Ranch. It also gives a voice to those who come after us with new approaches and new ideas – a whole new breath of fresh air from the most inspiring young minds. Most importantly, this blog section invites others to join as well, to be part of our community, and to learn how to take part. 

How can kids and educators get involved?

If you are a parent or a teacher, this space could be the space for your students or your children, to write and get actively involved in a creative way, to get them excited about conservation in a brand-new way. 

Getting involved in Kidz Korner is very simple. All you need to do is email us the blog submission of the child who wants to take part in the Korner, including the following information:

1. At least 3 photos in JPEG format
2. At least 200 words
3. A small biography about the Conservation Kid
4. Parental or teacher approval

Make sure to also follow the hashtag on social media #TRRKidzKorner, to check out new entries from children from all corners of the world!

About the writer: Mariana Diaz, born and raised in Costa Rica, has been part of the Marketing Team at Toucan Rescue Ranch since late 2020. With a background in Media for Development and Social Change, Social Work, and Graphic Design, she supports communications and all things media!