The CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Education recently launched a programme geared at encouraging primary school students to take the preservation of the environment seriously.
STEPS, Students Taking Environmental Preservation Seriously, is an initiative of the bank to help teach primary school students about the importance of a healthy environment.
The project is the brainchild of former bank employee Venus Seaman, who said that the whole idea emanated from a postcard sent to her by her daughter which spoke about the planting of trees for the beautification of the world. She then thought the best place to start teaching people about planting trees and flowers to protect the environment was in primary schools.
Ten schools are taking part in the programme and they will undertake activities such as cultivating a flower/vegetable garden, creating items out of waste material, the publishing of a school newspaper, clean up campaigns and other such activities all aimed at improving the learning environment.
CIBC’s business manager said the bank had set aside a total of $8,000 towards the project with $3,000 going to the winning school and the balance of $5,000 to be divided among the 10 participating schools to be used as seed money for their activities. She said the results of this year’s project would determine whether it becomes an annual event.
Assistant Chief Education Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Blaize, said that the Ministry of Education is happy to be associated with the initiative and promised full support.
Great move, teach them the value of the land and let them turn off all electronic devices and television set.
Good move show the little ones how to use and enjoy the land and natural resources. Turn off all electronics and televisions sets and let them get their hands dirty.
Great initiative. The children will learn alot about nurturing plants while appreciating where their food comes from. The Reuse-Recycle aspect to reduce waste is a great move to developing their artistic skills.
Good move. All the DNO talkers these are the initiatives we need to uphold.
thats a wonderful initiative……more of that for the children so they could be better grounded .
Great initiative. The students themselves would be excited. Get those little hands dirty for a good reason. Except beautiful things from our Primary Schools.
The 4 H clubs should embrace that and encourage their members. The Dominica Youth Environmental Org can offer some assistance too. They should be more than willing. Parents support this great competition!