Virtual Enterprise shows off Eco-cell program at LA’s Peace Day

Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
Dons Net Cafe earned a special distinction September 23 with a recognition by animal and peace activist Jane Goodall and the organization Roots & Shoots at the fifth annual Roots & Shoots Day of Peace at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Roots & Shoots is an organization working in approximately 100 countries around the world to reach out to young adults and teens looking to spread peace. It was created by Goodall, known for her work with chimpanzees, and is under the supervision of her institute.
“Dons Net Cafe was invited to by Roots & Shoots to Griffith Park because of our community service learning projects,” said ROP adviser Lee-Ann Knodel.
Roots & Shoots was interested in Net Cafe’s Eco-cell cell phone recycling program. “It is important to recycle old cell phones because it minimizes the mining process of the resources needed for the cell phone which is bad for the environment and the habitat of the wild animals,” said Knodel.
The event was held to celebrate the United Nation’s International Peace Day on September 21. Approximately 500 other elementary and high school children were among the crowd of thousands.
Goodall signed the box Virtual Enterprise made to collect their cell phones and applauded those groups making attempts in their projects to reduce their “footprint” on the earth. In addition she made a speech in front of the event’s attendees about the dream of world peace and future activism for the environment and human rights.
Virtual Enterprise set up their booth along with 20 other service projects and shared the information from their work with the other participants. “The reason why all of these service learning groups like us were invited was because Jane Goodall and Roots & Shoots believe that peace starts through the youth,” said Ms. Knodel. “And peace starts by giving back to the community.”
The Eco-cell program has collected 245 cell phones so far and 200 pounds of batteries.