To promote radon education to children during the 2010 National Radon Action Month, the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) Radon Program conducted outreach at the Fort Defiance Immersion School, in Fort Defiance, Arizona.
The students – ranging from grades 5th through 8th – learned about indoor air contaminants such as lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), asbestos, radon, pesticides and other solvents. An Indoor Air Quality House was also displayed (pictured below), which offered an interactive way to share this important information. The IAQ House – equipped with a quiz – tested the students on the different indoor contaminants found within the home including radon. NNEPA rewarded students with promotional materials, including backpacks, t-shirts and other items, for each of their correct answers.
Retaining tradition is a key aspect of the Immersion School’s culture. Accordingly, all outreach activities and discussions were done in the Navajo (Dine’) language. Students also regularly wear traditional Navajo attire to school. Robyn Pete – pictured above – won the title of Fort Defiance Immersion School Princess, and explains the importance of language to the students at this school: “I wish that all Dine’ (Navajo) children could speak Dine’, because it is a beautiful language. I am proud to be Dine’ and speak Dine’. As your Dine’ Princess, I will talk to the students in Dine’ and help them learn to speak it."
NNEPA is planning to visit the Fort Defiance Immersion School again for the 2011 NRAM, and is looking forward to other future outreach activities. For more information about NNEPA, please visit http://www.navajonationepa.org/ or call (928) 871-7863.
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