| Cozumel Kids in Action |
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| Thursday, 24 March 2005 | |
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Cleaning Cozumel –One Street at a Time. Most children look forward to Saturday afternoon to play or rest. But the children on 50 BIS Avenue in the Colonia 10 de Abril ,in Cozumel, spend one Saturday a month cleaning up their street and setting an example for others.Three years ago they signed a contract that read: “Nos comprometemos a limpiar a Cozumel.” We are committed to cleaning Cozumel –a commitment that they have kept to this day.The idea was the brainchild of Susan Bonnett, an American from Ohio that moved to Cozumel almost five years ago....
Inspired by the warmth and friendliness of her neighbors, and driven by her own need to make a difference, she approached them with her idea. The first “trash-picking expedition” was so successful that the kids wanted to do it again the next day! “Without the children’s enthusiasm this would have never worked,” she says.The word got around. Aviomar donated six oil drums that the kids painted with nature-related themes and placed along their street.
The level of excitement is quite high since today’s program includes a car ride to the park on 100th street at the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. The ride is anything but boring. The children chat incessantly. I ask them about this project and what they like about it. Karen, always the spokesperson for the group, exclaims: “It is fun! We like keeping our surroundings clean; it looks awful when there’s trash all over.” When we get to the park, they go about the business of picking up trash with the same zeal that they seem to do everything. A couple of hours later, I am panting and huffing, but my little companions have not lost an ounce of energy. As we pile our trash in the park’s dumpster, the endless chatting continues, as it does on our way back to Susan’s. In fact, it never stops, not even while they munch on sodas and popcorn (smothered in hot sauce!) –a treat to celebrate their good work.
Susan’s greatest challenge is finding resources to buy supplies (rubber gloves, plastic bags, etc.) and fund the activities. Currently, she is trying to raise funds to take the children to swim with the Dolphins at Chankanaab. “We help the children in many other ways too; for example, last year we got them backpacks with school supplies.” She is thankful for the people that have helped her throughout the years. “But resources are limited.” Susan’s initiative promotes leadership, commitment, and teamwork while raising awareness of a problem that has plagued the island for years. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and/or participating in this project, please contact Susan at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it The next “clean-up” day is scheduled for March 31st at 4:00pm. The group will meet in front of the Convention Center by Chedraui on R. Melgar Ave Comments (0)
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By Myrna Cleghorn
Since then, the children of 50 BIS have grown –in years, wisdom and numbers. And their initiative has expanded well beyond their street. When I meet them I am quickly taken by their energy and enthusiasm. Karen, a 13 year old with tornado-like energy, introduces her peers: Lilibeth, Irvin, Lili, Karen Daniela, Giovani, Rebeca and Joana. One by one, they welcome me with hugs, kisses and even a flower. Irvin takes a few dance steps; no need for external music here, he’s got the rhythm built in!
Throughout the year, Susan holds special theme parties and activities to recognize their commitment and to celebrate their success. Recently, the Foundation of Parks and Museums treated them to Chankanaab Park where the Dolphin Discovery operator invited them to attend the Sea Lion show.
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