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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
The 2015 Graduates of the Youth Environment Ambassador (YEA) speak to parents and spectators about Bahamian environmental issues. The program is spearheaded and funded by fast-growing environmental group Save The Bays. The event took place at the Wallace Groves Auditorium of Mary Star of The Sea Catholic Primary School. (Photo: Jenneva Russell)
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Friends and family members filled the halls of Wallace Groves Auditorium of Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School to cheer on just under 30 students as they walked across the stage as certified leaders and environmentalists graduating from the Youth Environment Ambassador (YEA) program spearheaded by fast-growing environmental group, Save The Bays (STB).
The program is formed in partnership with Glover & Associates Inc. and international training company, Center for Creative Leadership.
YEA Program Director Joseph Darville said the graduation is symbolic of a milestone that will make a difference in the future appreciation and protection of the environment.
“With all of the environmental issues being faced right here at home, education is a must,” he said. “Through our program, we are educating the future – the youth - which is imperative to the preservation of the future of the environment.”
Graduates of Youth Environmental Ambassador (YEA) program show off their drumming talents. The group was taught by Shayne Bethel from Junkanoo World Bahamas. Drumming was included in this year’s leadership development component of the YEA program to help build confidence among students who are able to express themselves. (Photo: Jenneva Russell)
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The YEA program, now in its second year, serves as the educational arm of Save The Bays and is driven by funding from the organization aimed at protecting the physical and cultural heritage of The Bahamas.
As the graduates crossed the stage, cheers of proud parents and onlookers echoed throughout the auditorium.
During the 10-session YEA program, students explored national parks, kayaked through mangroves, visited industrial facilities and heard from experts involved in park management and eco-tours – all educating and molding them into stewards of the environment.
The program served as a learning experience for not only the 27 graduates but also the five facilitators and two trainers.
Youth Environment Ambassador Program Director, Joseph Darville presents one of 27 graduates with a certificate of achievement for proving growth as a leader and becoming more knowledgeable about the environment. (Photo: Jenneva Russell)
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Javan Hunt, a YEA facilitator said the experience was both a rewarding and unforgettable lesson, one that he hopes the graduates will take seriously and share with others.
“The learning process never stops,” he said. “It's how we evolve and grow. That's why we are grooming leaders to facilitate growth and change in this country because we need more leaders to champion the environment. We must protect where we live.”
In addition to receiving pins and certificates, students treated the audience to a drumming selection to showcase what they learned under the tutelage of Shayne Bethel from Junkanoo World Bahamas.
Students of the Youth Environment Ambassador (YEA) program present Gail Woon with a photo plaque of appreciation as Joseph Darville, directors of Save the Bays, looks on. (Photo: Jenneva Russell)
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“We found that drumming is a means of creative expression,” explained Darville. “We believe that once persons are open enough to express themselves, it translates into their being stronger ambassadors for the environment.”
The scholars also showcased some of what they learned about the environment through environmental projects based on coral reefs, mangroves, dolphins and the seashore ecosystem.
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Gail Woon, another STB director in attendance, said she was happy with the accomplishments of the YEA graduates and has high expectations for the next semester.
“Everything starts with them (youth),” she said. “With the enthusiasm that I am seeing in this room, I expect for even more students to register for our next session.”
The next session will run for a total of six months beginning in October.
In addition to its educational efforts, Save The Bays is committed to passage of a Freedom of Information act, environmental protection act, accountability for oil pollution, and an end to unregulated development.With more than 17,400 Facebook friends and nearly 7,000 signatures on its petition, the association is the fastest-growing NGO in The Bahamas.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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