By Kisean Joseph
Students attending Pares Secondary and Glanvilles Secondary schools are once again embarking on a journey to become the nation’s next generation of environmental guardians.
The Environmental Ambassadors After-School Programme (EAAP), launched in 2023 by Integrated Health Outreach Inc (IHO), is set to welcome its newest cohort of enthusiastic young conservationists.
Dr Nicola Bird, Executive Director of IHO, spoke passionately about the programme’s impact.
“We’re cultivating a sense of ownership among these children, encouraging them to become leaders in their communities and protectors of their environment,” she said.
The success of last year’s programme, with its high completion rate, has fuelled excitement for the upcoming session.
The EAAP’s strategic location is no coincidence. Both participating schools serve communities within the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA), a legally protected zone boasting rich marine and coastal biodiversity. This proximity offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly with the ecosystems they’re learning to protect.
At the heart of the EAAP is a blend of interactive classroom sessions and hands-on outdoor experiences. Earlier this year, students from Glanvilles Secondary School celebrated World Biodiversity Day 2024 with an immersive mangrove tour.
Guided by Marine Biologist John Mussington, the young environmentalists explored the intricate ecosystem by kayak, gaining firsthand knowledge of mangrove restoration techniques.
The programme goes beyond traditional environmental education, incorporating the concept of collaborative social accountability (CSA). This innovative approach emphasises the importance of partnerships between civil society organisations, local communities, and government agencies in addressing environmental challenges.
“We’re not just teaching facts,” Dr Bird said. “We’re empowering these young people to take action and make a real difference in their communities.”
To further nurture leadership skills, graduates from the first EAAP cohort will have the opportunity to mentor incoming students. This peer-to-peer learning model reinforces the program’s commitment to developing young environmental leaders.
For those eager to continue their conservation journey, the IHO offers another stepping stone: The Nature Rangers. This youth-led organisation provides a platform for EAAP graduates to apply their newfound knowledge and passion to real-world conservation efforts.
The EAAP’s success story is made possible through international support, including funding from the World Bank’s Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).