WITH a commitment to protecting the Caribbean’s breathtaking natural resources and the unique ecosystems that support their health, the Sandals Foundation engaged schools across the Caribbean in commemoration of World Oceans Day to help students develop an appreciation for the biodiversity of the aquatic space.
“Environmental education is a big part of what we do at the Sandals Foundation because informed people can make better decisions,” said Georgia Scarlett, the Sandals Foundation’s Environmental Projects Coordinator.
“In keeping with this year’s theme for World Oceans Day which speaks to the need for us to conserve our wonderful marine resources for future generations, it was important for us to engage children across the region through environmental education sessions. By empowering children to take action for environmental protection, we are creating a strong platform for the sustained protection of our region’s natural resources,” she added.
Across the islands of The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, and Grenada, teams of Sandals Foundation Ambassadors with the use of marine-focused worksheets, story books and other fun learning materials, engaged students on a cross section of topics including plastic pollution, overfishing, marine sanctuary management, as well as biodiversity and coral health and function.
Mr. Peter Daniel, Principal at the Balata Primary School, was elated to have the Sandals Foundation Ambassadors engage students in this manner. He had this to say about the experience.
“We have a special place in our hearts for the Sandals Foundation, so we were very very pleased to welcome the representatives to our school this past week. They were really able to complement the work that we have started with our students, in teaching them about the environment. They were able to tailor the lessons to all of our children in grades 3, 4 and 5. The various activities kept the students interested and engaged throughout the day.”
For 11-year-old Nicholas from Grade 5, the day’s session was enlightening. “For me, it was fun. I learned a lot about the ocean and why we should protect it for us and for future generations. But basically, it was like we were learning how to protect our country Saint Lucia, so that the fishers could catch more fish, and our parents could purchase more fish to feed us healthy meals every day,” Nicholas said.
Janelle Norville, PR Manager at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa and avid Sandals Foundation Ambassador described the day’s proceedings as a success.
“The children were really interested in understanding about how they could preserve their environment. Many of them made the connection between disposing of their garbage, and the preservation of marine life overall, to prevent pollution and excessive flooding,” Norville said.
Over the years, the Sandals Foundation has led and supported numerous initiatives geared towards increasing environmental education in schools and communities across the region. In Saint Lucia, through partnerships with the St. Lucia National Trust the foundation has supported the execution of numerous Youth Environment Forums.