Secondary school students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are being challenged to identify, design, execute and plan an environmentally focused project, which would make a sustainable change in their communities and the country on a whole.{{more}}

The challenge comes from corporate citizen Coreas Hazells Inc, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, through their Environment Preservation Project Competition, which was launched last Friday, October 23, at the Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown.

In giving an overview of the competition, Training and Human Resources Officer at Coreas Hazells Inc Elka Phillips indicated that the Project is expected to run for 16 weeks from Friday’s launch.

“The Objectives of the project are to enhance the knowledge and level of social responsibility of the students with respect to environmental issues, by creating awareness in the early years of life and by facilitating an informed citizenry for the future.”

“It is hoped by the end of the project students will be able to demonstrate (among other things): an understanding of environmental protection /conservation… the holistic nature of the environment… appropriate attitudes, values and actions necessary for the preservation and conservation of the environment… development of the appropriate skills necessary for effective personal and national participation in helping to manage environmental problems… and the importance of continuous environmental action to ensure sustainable livelihoods.”

Phillips indicated that the competition is open to all secondary schools, with one entry per school and a minimum of 10 students, maximum 20.

The students must come from forms one to three.

According to Phillips, the school capturing first prize receives $3,000, second prize winner gets $1,500, $1,000 for third, and $500 for fourth place.

The winning school gets a gift valued $1000.

The schools may select one of the themes: Living in a plastic world; plants and the environment; energy conservation; waste management/ litter; water conservation; maintenance of our beaches and streams; recycling can save money; conserving our eco system and atmospheric pollution.

Project Coordinator Morrison Baisden, who also chaired last Friday’s launch, said that the competition comes at an opportune time, when there is a need for more emphasis on the environment, especially by the younger generation.

Baisden urged the schools to do their best at the project, and reminded them that as coordinator, he was there to assist them along the way.

Also addressing the audience, which included a number of students from various schools, was Managing Director of Coreas Hazells Inc. Joel Providence, who indicated that his company will do all that it can in promoting the order of things in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Senior Education Officer for Secondary Schools Carlton Hall, along with Rupert Doyle, Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, also addressed the students.

Registration for the competition closes on November 12 this year, with project completion expected on April 30, and judging to take place in May next year.(JJ)