Second-grade students from CS 55: The Benjamin Franklin School and state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez are helping to teach viewers about the environment, through appearances in separate episodes of “Eco Leaders,” an environmental-themed puppet show on BronxNet.
The innovative TV series is produced by local puppetry artists and made possible by Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY), an artist economy initiative that provided support for 10 artists at BronxNet.
The episode featuring Sen. Fernandez is set to premiere at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 26, while the CS 55 episode premieres at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. Both episodes are broadcast on BronxNet (channel 67 for Optimum and 2133 for Fios) and are available on bronxnet.tv.
The “Eco Leaders” TV series stars time-traveling puppet characters who return to the Bronx from the year 2088 and seek to find out what happened to a destroyed earth. The show provides a space for children to engage in environmental exploration and climate solutions. Eco Leaders is produced by award-winning local animator and designer Alba Garcia; actor and puppetry artist Kervin Peralta; and award-winning actress and voiceover artist Paola Poucel.
“Eco Leaders and BronxNet are testaments to the incredible opportunities and resources available to our students here in the Bronx,” CS55 Principal Luis Torres said. “Participation in Eco Leaders and our behind-the-scenes tour of BronxNet’s Media + Technology Studios provided our second graders with a unique and enriching experience that challenges the stereotype that Bronx students are under-resourced.”
Garcia, Peralta, and Poucel are part of a group of 10 artist fellows who worked at BronxNet via a generous CRNY grant over the last two years, producing content and teaching classes for Bronx residents.
“Creating Eco Leaders has been an incredible journey, and it’s truly special to involve CS 55 and Senator Fernandez,” said puppetry artist Kervin Peralta. “By combining storytelling, puppetry, and the theme of climate action, we hope to empower kids to believe in their ability to make a difference. We’re excited for everyone to join us on this adventure to explore possibilities for a better future.”
In the episode featuring Sen. Fernandez, she answers questions about Asthma Alley and leadership and gives children and their parents pointers about what they can do in their own neighborhoods to protect the environment. Fernandez expressed her enthusiasm for the project.
“This innovative puppet show not only entertains but also empowers our young students with vital information about protecting our planet,” Fernandez stated. “It’s inspiring to see second graders from CS 55 actively participating and learning about environmental stewardship in such a creative way.”
The first episode of “Eco Leaders” is now available at youtube.com/watch?v=ZcsmEKuJyko.
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