Kids tell Governments
how its Done!

In June of 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, 175 world leaders assembled for the Earth Summit. They came together to create AGENDA 21, a document meant to ensure the preservation of Planet Earth, heading into the 21st century.

"Rescue Mission: Planet Earth, A Children's Edition of Agenda 21," is an opportunity for kids to have a voice in Agenda 21. The book is an international compilation of children's artwork, poetry and concerns regarding the social and environmental future of Earth.

Spruce Glen Elementary School in Huntsville, Ontario, contributed to the making of the book. Grade 8 students at the school were given the original Summit chapters on Poverty and Consumption to rewrite. The students invested countless hours in the project and eventually rewrote the chapters in a comprehensive, readable version for kids.

According to Spruce Glen teacher Susan Hawkins: "The Rescue Mission project provides education to children...and through education, empowerment to the students and their parents."

Susan believes that the book is important because it makes "children aware of what they're inheriting." The main purpose is to educate youth. " I tell my Spruce Glen students that we are so privileged to live in a democratic and free country and sometimes we become complacent and take these things for granted."

The students at Spruce Glen and their teacher want youth to be informed. The Rescue Mission project makes children aware of what governments have and have not done, what promises have been made regarding the future of the environment and most importantly, the project empowers youth to take charge of their tomorrows.

To see some of the Spruce Glen students' work:
CLICK HERE!