After their graduation ceremony last Wednesday, eighth graders at the American School in Guadalajara naturally were jumping for joy and taking photos.
But because of developments in their project to ban plastic bags in stores, which recently received encouragement from Jalisco Congressman Pedro Kumamoto, some of the students seem surprisingly eager for the summer vacation that just started to be finished.
“The kids will spend the summer researching, making plans about how to get more signatures on their petition drive and preparing the presentation they’re going to take to other schools,” said Norma Guinto, director of the Mexico Program at the American School and the contact between the eighth graders and Kumamoto.
Just last week, the congressman came to the school for a meeting with the young people about their crusade, dubbed “No Mas Bolsas” (No More Bags). The students report that he enthusiastically exchanged ideas with them about how to implement the scheme.
“The kids came up with the idea of banning bags,” Guinto continued. “But when I contacted Mr. Kumamoto and he immediately responded, it was very inspiring to them.”
“I’m really excited about this,” said student Ángel Sanchez, noting his strong interest in Mexican politics and in making Mexico a better country.
“It’s great that a leader in this city is interested in what 14- and 15-year-olds are doing,” said eighth grader Carlie McGrath. “It’s probably because he is independent, like us,” she added, reflecting on the fact that Kumamoto is not from an established political party.
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