As the world focuses its attention on all issues related to the environment, The
Sandals Foundation engaged students from several schools in activities marking
World Ocean Day, on Thursday.
The Foundation said the commemoration of World Ocean Day was designed to
help students develop an appreciation for the biodiversity of the aquatic space.
With the use of marine-focused worksheets, storybooks, and other fun learning
materials, grade three students from the Villa, Greenbay, and Cedar Grove Primary
Schools journeyed to Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and were engaged in a cross-
section of topics, including plastic pollution, overfishing, marine sanctuary
management, as well as biodiversity and coral health and function.
"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.
Julia James, a teacher at Greenbay Primary School was elated to have the Sandals
Foundation Ambassadors engage students in this manner.
“It was very interactive and refreshing for the students. The awareness and
educational value that came from the session was more than what I initially
expected. The facilitator really encapsulated the message and importance of our
marine spaces and how we should protect them.”
For 9-year-old Shadrah Modeste, the day’s session was enlightening, as he said, “I
am happy my school was invited to be a part of this session. I was able to learn
about the coral reefs and how to protect them and what can happen if we don’t
save our reefs.”
The activity provides a one-of-a-kind experience for students in Antigua and
Barbuda to explore the wonders of wetlands and terrestrial wildlife.
