Breathe California's O24u environmental program has been introduced into the after-school curriculum at Del Paso Heights Elementary, and aims to empower children to become advocates for a healthier community. Margaret Tsai headline-64392 2012-03-02T17:27:17Z 2012-03-02T17:27:17Z <p> “O24u! O24u!” chanted the students in the room. Their voices filled the cafeteria and they even had matching poses to match each syllable. It was as if the kids of Del Paso Heights Elementary School were at cheerleading practice, and they were – cheering for cleaner air and a better environment.</p> <p> Yesterday afternoon, Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails (BCSET) launched its O24u program at the school. Led by Argelia Leon, BCSET’s Policy Manager and head of the O24u program, the students were introduced to program. O24u is an after-school environmental education program that is being implemented in elementary schools within Sacramento, specifically those located in low-income neighborhoods.</p> <p> The program is a partnership with schools and after school service providers for a strong educational curriculum that centers on the themes of protection, restoration and conservation. Its primary focus is on air, water and urban green space issues. Students are educated on ways they can help improve the air quality, and are given tips such as planting trees, carpooling, or writing letters to government officials to urge for change.</p> <p> “O24u is a wonderful, hands-on program and sends the message to kids that anyone can do something to reduce harmful emissions of air pollution and toxic indoor environments,” said Kori Titus, Chief Executive Officer of BCSET. “It’s fun, but also educational because it teaches the students how to make key decisions that can result in cleaner air and a healthier community.”</p> <p> BCSET has trained high school students, college students, and after school program site facilitators to deliver the O24u program to children, ages 8-14. By doing so, this gives students the chance to improve their environmentally responsible behaviors in their personal lifestyles, their schools, their homes, and in their communities. The O24u curriculum has been developed to align with the California Environmental Education Initiative principles. The O24u Facilitator’s Guide includes 96 pages of lessons and hands-on activities, along six topic areas. The Facilitator’s Guide corresponds directly to the Student Activity Book, which every participating child will receive. Each activity has been aligned to the California standards.</p> <p> Funding for this program is made possible by a grant provided by Sierra Health Foundation.</p> <p>Disclosure: Margaret Tsai is the Communications Associate at BCSET, an independent non-profit working to make the Sacramento region a healther place to live and breathe since 1917. For more information, please visit www.sacbreathe.org or call (916) 444-5900. </p> Margaret Tsai 2012-03-02T17:27:17Z