Martinique students explore Dominica’s flora and fauna

A 12-student, three-teacher team from the Lycee St. Joseph (St. Joseph Vocational College) recently visited Dominica in a school exchange with the Dominica State College (DSC) during which they got first hand knowledge of Dominica’s plants and the environment in general.

Botanics teacher, Willy Renard, told DNO Dominica was the ideal location for the students because of its vast flora and fauna.

Among the many activities was a visit to the Botanic Gardens in Roseau where the students studied the flowers and plants and how they are different from the ones in Martinique, according to Renard.

The students also attended classes at the DSC and visited a flower farm in Giraudel and Harmony Gardens. The also displayed their floral arrangement skills.

English teacher, Marie-Josee Montbrun, said the trip to Dominica is the fourth by Lycee St. Joseph and is linked to a sustainable project which shows students how they can live in harmony with nature.

She pointed out Martinique looked like Dominica some 30 years ago and Dominica is perfect for teaching students how to preserve the environment.

She noted that as the Nature Island, Dominica has a lot to teach the French student who will in turn tell other students of their experience when they return to Martinique.

She is hoping to sign a partnership between Dominica and Martinique for more student exchanges.

“I think it can be fruitful for both parties,” she said.

Lycee St. Joseph, which is situated on the northern part of Martinique, which teaches, masonry, botany, horticulture, accountancy, bio-industry and mechanics to a population of nearly 900 students.