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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Ms. Shiel-Rolle and the Diversity in Citizen Science Working Group
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Nassau, Bahamas - Nikita Shiel-Rolle, the executive director of Young Marine Explorer’s (YME) was an invited speaker at the inaugural conference of the Citizen Science Association in San Jose, California late last month, speaking to over 600 people from 25 countries on advancing science through communication, coordination and education. At the conference, she announced the launch of YME’s newest program, a 3-year Conservation Program targeting senior high students in the public schools.
The Citizen Science 2015 meeting is a pre-conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science(AAAS) Annual Meeting held from 14-20 February, a widely recognized global science gathering bringing thousands of scientists, engineers, policymakers, educators and journalist together to discuss the most recent developments in science and technology At Citizen Science, participants exchange ideas and experiences on how to develop a world where people understand, value and participate in science.
Berry Island YME members participating in an Ocean Classroom discussion
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I
n her address, Ms. Sheil-Rolle discussed YME’s programs which engage Bahamian high school students in marine stewardship to care for beaches and coral reefs. She highlighted the newest 3-year Conservation Program. During the three years of this innovative, new program students from grades 10-12 would participate in weekly after-school classes and Saturday ocean classroom field trips. The curriculum is mapped over the Ministry of Education’s high school curriculum to reinforce what students are learning in Biology, Geography, Math and Language Arts.
Ms. Sheil-Rolle anticipates that students in the YME Conservation Program will perform higher on their BGCSE’s, express a value for volunteerism, have a working knowledge of Bahamian laws and regulations, and gain professional skills for the workforce, however not without community and corporate support.
Cat Island YME members monitoring reef health
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“The system has been tested… it works. The activities and field work we have outlined for the students are designed to challenge them and increase their critical thinking and analytical skills along with their overall knowledge ability. These traits are necessary to excel in the local curricula,” Ms. Sheil-Rolle explained. “We look forward to engaging kids in volunteerism and cultivating a love for the environment, but we need first to develop partnerships with companies and organizations who are prepared to invest in Bahamian youth.
“In order for us to reach our goal of 10% of government senior high school students, which we estimate is the critical minimum required to make a measurable impact, we need to enroll 4,000 students in this program,” Ms. Sheil-Rolle explained, acknowledging that this degree of growth is not going to happen overnight. “If we start in the islands we already operate in and expand in stages, we can achieve our goal in several years, but it will require investment. We are looking forward to expanding our corporate partnerships in the coming months to make this program available for more students."
Nassau YME members exploring Bone Fish Pond
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Ms. Sheil-Rolle added that any companies or individuals interested in getting involved as sponsors or mentors should contact the Young Marine Explorers at [contact info]
About Young Marine Explorers
Founded in 2008, YMEis a Bahamian non-profit organization with the vision to inspire and equip a generation of youth with the passion and skills required to create a sustainable future for The Bahamas. The YME program aims to educate and inspire youth to become the leaders needed to address the social, economic and environmental challenges of The Bahamas through initiatives like the YME Conservation Program which offers after-school and Saturday activities on the oceans, biodiversity, and stewardship of Bahamas’ natural resources.
More information on Young Marine Explorers can be found on the organisation’s website www.ymwbahamas.org
About Nikita Sheil-Rolle
Ms. Shiel-Rolle has a Masters of Science in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health from The University of Edinburgh and a Bachelors Degree in Marine Affairs from University of Miami.
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