STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO BE GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS

Friday June 18, 2010

Students of the Little Rainbow School in Virgin Gorda recently learned more about the connections among proper waste disposal habits, their health and the tourism industry during an interactive waste education session with members of the Solid Waste Department in observance of Environment Month.

Waste Education Officer Ms. Nadia James-Lord conducted the sessions with students in kindergarten through grade six classes.

Ms. James-Lord said,”The objective of the session was to help the children understand the effects of poor waste management practices on their health and on the tourism industry if poor littering habits are continued.”

The message was delivered through Bruce the Mongoose activity worksheets, followed by a visit with the mascot. The grades two and three teacher, Ms. Michelle Frazier said, “The visit was very exciting for the students as well as the teachers. We will take the lessons learned and use Bruce the Mongoose to motivate the students to use the school’s litter bins more often.”

Ms. James-Lord said, “Most schools welcome visits from the department and we value partnerships which create opportunities for us to work with the Territory’s young people and encourage them to take ownership for the natural beauty that is found in the Virgin Islands, especially as we commemorate Environment Month

Within the last three weeks, the Solid Waste Department has also conducted educational sessions at the Claudia Creque Educational Centre in Anegada and at the Jost Van Dyke Primary School.

The Solid Waste Department is the government agency responsible for the collection and disposal of community solid waste, as well as the promotion of proper waste disposal practices.