How a School Podcast Grew into a Community Bridge
May 05, 2025
Project Updates
The Vichada Climate Reforestation Project, situated in the remote Vichada Department of the Orinoco River Basin, aims to safeguard local flora and fauna while addressing greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative promotes socio-economic development by creating employment opportunities and transferring technology, including providing internet access for local communities and educational institutions.
Among the many positive outcomes of this nature-based climate solution, one particularly personal and powerful story stands out: a podcast created by the children of the Esmeralda School, located within the project area.
A Classroom Idea That Sparked a Movement
When teacher Camilo Gómez joined the Esmeralda School, he brought a simple idea — help students strengthen their communication skills through storytelling. Thanks to newly installed internet access, made possible by project partner Inverbosque, that idea quickly transformed into a student-led podcast: El Tesoro de la Esmeralda.
“At first, it was just about learning and having fun,” Camilo says. “But it quickly became much more — a way for students to send love to their families, share their lives, and express themselves with pride.”
In a school where over 50 children live full-time, often too far from home to visit regularly, the podcast became a vital connection to the outside world. Children began recording greetings, updates, and stories — reaching not only their families, but the broader community.
Mr. Camilo Gómez, teacher at the Esmeralda school, started the student podcast "El Tesoro de la Esmeralda"
Real Voices, Real Impact
The podcast launched with three pioneering hosts — Sarita, Dani, and Ronnie — and quickly grew as more students got involved. Camilo formed a team of young correspondents who now research stories, conduct interviews, and co-produce each episode.
What started in a classroom now streams on Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, and airs live on local radio — catching the attention of listeners far beyond the Vichada region.
“People from across Colombia — even Canada — have reached out,” Camilo shares. “They’re amazed that kids in such a remote place, without constant access to electricity or modern technology, are creating such a professional, heartfelt podcast.”
Camilo Gomez and the three protagonists of the El Tesoro de la Esmeralda" podcast Sarita, Dani, and Ronnie
A Symbol of What This Project Makes Possible
This collaborative effort fosters creativity, teamwork, and journalistic skills, offering students a platform to shine while amplifying their voices. Through “The Treasure of Esmeralda”, the institution nurtures academic excellence and cultivates confident, capable young leaders who inspire their school, community, and beyond.
El Tesoro de la Esmeralda is just one of many ways the Vichada Climate Reforestation Project creates value for people and planet. In addition to restoring nature, the project supports local communities with tangible improvements such as clean drinking water systems, job creation, and education access.
As the first afforestation and reforestation project globally to be certified under the Gold Standard, the project — co-developed by FORLIANCE — represents a new model of climate action: one rooted in partnership, long-term vision, and human connection.
“This podcast started as a tool,” Camilo says. “Now it’s a legacy.”
