Making a difference: G3 Conservation Corps cleans up local school

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps recently lent a helping hand to the island’s Southern community by joining forces with volunteers to clean up M.U. Lujan Elementary School in Yona on Wednesday, August 2. This cleanup marked their final volunteer effort before they graduate from the program later this month. 

The team worked together to give the school a fresh makeover. Laura Layan, a member of the G3 Conservation Corps, shared their efforts, “We had a team sorting out things. Another team is also painting and helping the staff at the school,” she said. 

Layan is the first G3 Conservation Corps member from Yap. After graduating with a major in tropical science, she wants to give back to the community by applying what she learned from university and from the conservation corps program. 

Another corps member, Michael Herbert, highlighted his involvement in preparing the school for the upcoming school year, “Today we are assisting with the opening of the school by helping with debris removal, painting so the school can be ready for inspection.” 

Herbert’s dedication to conservation and environmental awareness shone through as he shared his experiences as a corps member, “I’ve learned about farming, aquaculture, and different things, like separating different household goods. I’ve also learned about marketing and the need to bring in more people for the circular economy, the green economy.” 

After the program, Herbert wants to go back to school and become a sea turtle biologist. “Because I am very passionate about marine life and turtles,” he said. 

Cassie Bordallo, another active corps member, expressed her thoughts on the conservation corps experience, “It’s been amazing. It’s been hard but still amazing to be part of it (G3 Conservation Corps). It opened my eyes to things that I hadn’t thought about before.” 

The G3 Conservation Corps, consisting of twelve members, underwent comprehensive training over the past five months. They learned about various sustainability topics, such as agriculture, aquaculture, recycling, and renewable energy. The program equips these young eco-enthusiasts with valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to Guam’s emerging green economy.