Climate Change and Health Awareness in Primary Schools in St. Lucia: Act Now for a More Sustainable and Resilient Future
Overview
Saint Lucian youth group Climate and Health Action for the Rising Generation (CHARGE) recently engaged 108 students, including 55 males and 53 females, and 51 teachers from 50 primary schools to take collective responsibility for climate change and health action.
The Initiative
The second national primary school climate change and health initiative was held from 16-17 January under the theme "Promoting Climate Change and Health Awareness in Primary Schools in Saint Lucia: Act Now for a More Sustainable and Resilient Future." The four-hour interactive sessions were held at the Orchid Garden in Union, Castries, and the Micoud Multipurpose Centre, Micoud, and combined education and entertainment.
Activities
The initiative included question-and-answer segments to reinforce knowledge and increase awareness, dance, treasure hunts, role-play, and craft to foster creativity, problem solving, and teamwork. This year, the initiative introduced a long-term component that culminates in June. CHARGE, in collaboration with its partners, will work with selected primary schools to establish or improve school kitchen gardens by providing support in sustainable cultivation practices.
Program Objectives
The program is designed as a dynamic and interactive learning experience that highlights the importance of personal health, the environment, and the impacts of climate change on health and the community. The program aims to inspire a generation of problem-solvers who are aware, responsible, and ready to lead.
About CHARGE
CHARGE is an affiliate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Climate Change and Health Leaders Fellowship Training Program, one aspect of the European Union/CARIFORUM Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems in the Caribbean project, coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization.
Partners
CHARGE partners with several organizations, including the Saint Lucia Ministry of Youth Development and Sports; the Department of Education; the Technical Vocational Education and Training Unit, the Department of Sustainable Development within the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training; the Bureau of Health Education within the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs; and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
Funding
The initiative was funded by the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, through the 2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund of the U.S. Department of State, accessed by Fullbright Scholars, Dr. Kim Newton-James and Dr. Winston Phulgence, Vice Principal, Academics, at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
Learn More
- Learn more about CHARGE
- Learn more about the EU/CARIFORUM Climate Change and Health Project
- Learn more about the UWI Climate Change and Health Leaders Fellowship Programme
Conclusion
The CHARGE initiative is an excellent example of how youth can take ownership of their learning and environment. By empowering young people to take action, we can inspire a generation of problem-solvers who are aware, responsible, and ready to lead.
FAQs
- What is CHARGE?
CHARGE is a Saint Lucian youth group that focuses on climate and health action. - What is the objective of the initiative?
The objective is to promote climate change and health awareness in primary schools in Saint Lucia. - Who partners with CHARGE?
CHARGE partners with various organizations, including the Saint Lucia Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, the Department of Education, and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. - How is the initiative funded?
The initiative is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, through the 2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund of the U.S. Department of State.