Energy Science camp lights up young minds

The recently concluded energy science camp proved to be a transformative experience for approximately 200 children, equipping them with valuable knowledge and sparking career aspirations in the energy sector. The camp provided an engaging platform for children to explore various energy topics, from oil and gas to renewable sources like wind and solar energy.

 

Fifteen-year-old Najarrie Coppin-Williams highlighted the impact the camp had on him, stating that he learned a great deal and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. His aspirations have now shifted towards a career in the energy industry.

 

“The camp was enjoyable and we learnt about oil and gas, energy and wind turbines, among other areas,” Coppin-Williams was quoted as saying in a release from the Barbados Government Information Service.

 

“Previously, I was hoping to get my truck licence, but now that I have attended this camp, I am hoping to work with oil and gas.”

 

Similarly, Rickala Yearwood-King described the camp as “educational” and voiced her support for it becoming an annual event so more children can benefit.

 

Hosted by the Division of Energy within the Ministry of Energy and Business, in partnership with the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST) and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment’s national summer camp programme, the two-week camp was conducted at The St Michael School from August 12 to 16 and at Hilda Skeene Primary School from August 19 to 23.

 

During a recent presentation at Hilda Skeene, Keisha Reid, deputy permanent secretary in the ministry of energy and business, underscored the camps’ significance, stressing the impression it left on many of the participants.

 

“We have been able to spark something new and innovative in these children. Some have even expressed interest in careers in the energy sector,” Reid noted.

 

Throughout the camp, participants explored a range of topics, including oil and gas, biofuels, wind energy, solar energy, energy conservation, and energy efficiency. They also took part in various challenges and had the opportunity to tour the Pavana Wind Farm in St John and the Barbados National Oil Company Limited in St Philip.

 

Aaliyah Ollivierre, the camp director, reflected on the transformative nature of the energy instruction. “It was something different and it changed their perspective. Children went home telling their parents to install solar panels, and parents were surprised by the knowledge their children had gained,” Ollivierre said, while expressing a desire for energy education to be integrated into more camps.

 

The energy champion winners of the national summer camp programme at Hilda Skeene Primary included Kamaria Perry (four to six-year-old category), Chamani Stowe (seven to nine-year-old category), Rochel Cain (10 to 12-year-old category), and Rickala Yearwood-King (13 to 15-year-old category).

 

From the MIST camp’s solar design challenge, first prize was awarded to Joseph Marshall, while Kendra Welcome and Phoenix Waldron took second and third prizes, respectively. First-place winners from both camps received laptop bundles, while other winners were given mobile phones and tablets.

 

(BGIS/BT)