Opposition Senator Crystal Drakes is spearheading a project to promote an awareness among primary school children about Barbados marine environment.
Drakes is a director of the BlueGreen Initiative Inc (BGI), a group which launched its Be Blue School Tour 2020 at the Blackman and Gollop Primary School today.
The tour which will visit primary schools from March through to November is supported by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy and sponsored by Sandals Foundation and Harris Paints Limited.
“We think that at this age it is the perfect opportunity to get information on some of the concerns in the marine environment and we are bringing it to them in a way that is palatable, that they can understand.
“In terms of learning, the activity book has numerous things that would pique their interest and engage their insights into things around the marine environment.
“What we are trying to do is to break down the science to the kids so they understand it in a way that it seems it is something they can actually have a career in, going forward,” Drakes said.
The students at Blackman and Gollop were excited as they participated in the launch, where they received a wealth of knowledge about the marine environment and particularly the role of coral reefs. The students were attentive as they watched video presentations, tuned into a spoken word performance by Akeem Chandler-Prescod, and even answered questions when asked by their specially invited guests.
A mural titled Into the Deep painted by artist Jehmilah Wood was unveiled in the school’s guidance counsellor’s office. The group donated 100 copies of its publication, My Coral Buddies & Me children’s activity book to the institution. The book seeks to educate students about the importance of coral reefs. (AH)
