On December 5th, the Department of Education met with stakeholders from the private and public sectors to begin preparations for an Environmental Management and Award Programme for all primary schools, high schools and community colleges in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Stakeholders invited were Provo Water Company TCI, Waste Disposal Services Ltd, Fortis TCI, Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, Environmental Health Department, Agriculture Department, RESEMBID, TCI Telecommunications Commission, EA Landscaping and Turks and Caicos National Trust.
The programme aims to develop energy and environmentally literate citizens through service projects, leadership, and activism and to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of a school. It encompasses four major themes: Waste Management, Electricity Conservation, Water Conservation and Biodiversity. Schools are expected to select one theme and create environmentally friendly solutions that address issues in their schools or the wider community.
The programme is set to begin in September 2023. Schools have the opportunity to be awarded a "Green Flag' which signifies a green school, and the coveted prize, the 'Green Ribbon', given to the school with outstanding performance-enhancing sustainability practices among all schools with Green Flag status. Prior to the launch, all schools should expect to be visited by a team who will formally launch the programme and introduce students to all four themes.
The Minister of Education, Hon. Racheal Taylor added, “Partnership is critical for the development of our programmes. We are grateful for the support of our many partners, as we seek to ensure that our students become more environmentally aware, becoming a part of the solution, to an environmentally friendly TCI. Special thanks to Ms. Elsiann Delancy, our Curriculum Officer who continues to lead in this area.”