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The initiative hopes to benefit close to 100 students from the 10 schools in the district that will participate in the different milestones, mentoring and support processes.
The Andrés Pérez Theater was home to the official kick-off of the Speakers in Green (Speakers En Verde) program, which is being held for the fifth consecutive year in Tocopilla. The event was attended by students and teachers to not only accompany their peers participating in this edition but also to enjoy an inspiring talk from Noemí Manríquez, better known as “Planet Girl.”
This initiative is presented by SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tocopilla and the Local Public Education Service (SLEP), and carried out by Verdical.
It aims to promote skills, attitudes and competencies that encourage entrepreneurship and effective communication with different stakeholders.
Manuel Ossandón, Head of Community Relations at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, referred to this great milestone and underscored the program’s importance for the students. “Today the students were very motivated by our speaker Noemí Manríquez, who came from Puerto Montt to share her experience. The kids can bridge the gaps in entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives, and I think this is an opportunity where they can make the best use of everything they have at their disposal.”
Verdical, the organization carrying out the initiative, was pleased by the high participation levels, adding that they hope to continue to build generations of students linked to the environment and innovation.
Daniela Núñez, Verdical’s project manager, highlighted the public’s interest and explained that “today’s activity attracted more than 250 children and teens, together with their teachers and several local entrepreneurs.” She also commented on the program’s purpose and its upcoming work with the participants: “The objective is to foster eco-entrepreneurial skills at a young age, while also building communication skills. That is why we are developing a series of mentoring sessions and workshops that will end in November with them presenting their projects.”
Inspired by the mission of motivating and inspiring young people, Noemí Manríquez, better known as “Planet Girl,” took the stage to talk about her experience and work as an activist, educator and environmental leader since she was 10 years old. After taking questions from the audience, Noemí thanked the organizers for inviting her to participate in this valuable educational opportunity. “I think it’s a great initiative because as a teenager it’s a little hard to start projects and this is a great guide for them to continue innovating,” she added.
Lastly, she had a message for all young people who are timid about following through with their ideas: “They are not only the future, but also the present. Their actions today have the same impact as those of an adult. No matter how small they are, they will bring about a giant change.”
The students will now begin to bring their projects to life through various mentoring sessions over the next few months, culminating in their final presentation in November.