Six years of an exemplary work done by Jose Vega in Global Issues Network or as most people know it, GIN since it was brought to school in 2011 by Sebastian Cardenas that left this ingenious program to be established and cultivate it at TCS. 

Vega, as a member of GIN, has concerns that the efforts he has put towards this projects are not recognized or acknowledged by the school community he is so found of. This organisation was brought to light many years ago by the old administration and ever since acquired it has been nurtured by Vega, therefore as he heads back home he wants to make sure the work he has done along with his team is noticed, in order to obtain more positive change.

About the program

“We nurture and mobilize transgenerational communities of global citizens to build a just and sustainable future.” This quote is the the first thing you’ll encounter within the Global Issues Network online page. An abundance of people at TCS don’t know the definite reason as to why GIN is needed at our school and around the world.

GIN is a visionary program that looks out to  build passions and strengths for the leaders of today. They will listen to any  innovative projects that can be applied to a global or local community and assure a sustainable change.  It is a student held program with a guidance such as a teacher that will endure the project worked on to present it on the conferences that are organised every year with over 1,000 participants.

Implemented at the school

An issue TCS noticed had to do with the environment and how as a school there was no concern for it. Ecolumbus was implemented as well to the school that way there was  a bigger chance this actions would take place. Certainly it worked, therefore a few of the projects that were applied around TCS actually changed the structure and well function of our community.

The first problem was the usage of plastic bottles in the cafeteria. These bottles often contained sodas. This beverages although taste pleasing are not good for your health. In this project GIN decided to remove this plastic bottles that also affect the environment as they are not disposed well and aren’t a biodegradable product which consumes spaces and kills animals that encounter with such product. There were two issues fixed in one task: they removed the sodas from the cafeteria and the school dispensers, a health issue and ecosystem condition.

Another plan that was set and accomplished this year was a continuation of the bottles was to implement water fountains that deliver water into your personal thermos, as it dispenses  informs you they times it has been used and how many plastic bottles  have been avoided.

“What we leave in place: teams structures projects, can help with the with the next couple years. I am very confident in the teachers that are staying and the students that are leaders, as they can continue the work we have done and make it better. There is still work to be done and improve how things function,” said Vega, as he establishes that  he is leaving GIN at TCS in good hands and that in matter of time short project can begin to grow.

Adaptation

Plenty of the members have been on board since day one with Vega and might have trouble adapting to the program as he leaves.

“There has been a lot of miscommunication that hasn’t allow us as students to connect with the new teachers. (They) are in a process of learning how GIN work at TCS and joined to learn how it functions,” Said Andrea Fernandez, 11th grade student and GV leader at GIN, concerned about GIN’s future. Although she argues, “Even though Vega is the one that know the most about it, since he has been in it for so long, (we hope to move forward) as the other teachers have a lot of insight and enthusiasm to continue with GIN. ”

“The new teachers are necessary since a lot of students are joining GIN, therefore we wouldn’t have an assistance for the whole member and not be able to handle the meetings.” Said Elena Echavarria, 10th grade and GIN member.

GIN meeting are held at school only once a month this year in comparison to last year that implied once a week to gather the whole team to discuss their projects.

“He has enough student interest that will continue, and we hope that as Britta stays for next year she will [proceed] with it, since she always seem so eager to make changes,” said Bianca Vega, Jose Vega’s wife and middle school principal at TCS.

Legacy

J.Vega’s legacy for sure will be perish as his members have everything under control and are willing to continue this program to solve issues all over the world.

“Student interest is about the cause. It’s the students passion that matters the most as they want to see the changes been made and know that’s what  they worked on,” B.Vega said.