Why Not Teens Nalunega Library Mission

Throughout the last 10 years, the tribes living in the Guna Yala islands have been feeling the effects of climate change. With the growing threat of the disappearing islands caused by ocean rise and strengthened natural disasters, those living on the smaller islands are planning to move to the small territory they own on the mainland. This could lead to many deaths and perhaps islands going extinct in the future. In order to prevent this, Why Not Teens wants to expand education in the Guna Yala Islands so that the whole tribe is educated and prepared to face the threat of climate change. The best way to do so is by adding two potential classrooms to the existing four-classroom school in Nalunega. Nalunega is the main island that is where the government of the Gunas is located. A total of 250 students attend this school. These children not only come from Nalunega but also come from neighboring islands via canoes. The limited space has restricted the amount of time each age group is given to attend school; they often alternate between days and times to attempt to provide to all students an opportunity to learn. The Nalunega Library would expand the school by adding a classroom located on the first floor and provide a library on the top floor, where children can learn outside the classroom.  Ultimately, WNT hopes that the expansion in education will allow the future generation of Gunas to be able to fight the threat of climate change and save their tribe from extinction.