Schools in the BVI Achieve Safer and Resilient Infrastructure
Students in 14 public schools across the Virgin Islands have returned to school this term, enjoying improved safety standards and more resilient learning environments thanks to the ongoing efforts of the BVI SMART Schools Project.
The SMART Initiative
The SMART Schools programme has been instrumental in enhancing resilience and sustainability in schools across the territory. The SMART acronym stands for Safe, Motivated, Adaptable, Resilient, and Technologically Savvy, reflecting the primary goals of the initiative. The SMART Schools Project has been initiated to support students and institutions in the territory, fostering a culture of resilience in the face of climate and disaster risks.
Key Components of SMART Schools
The SMART Schools in the BVI have several key features that set them apart. These include:
* Safety and Resilience: Buildings are designed or renovated to withstand future disasters, with improved construction techniques, materials, and energy-efficient systems.
* Motivation and Adaptability: Classrooms are designed to accommodate various teaching styles and methods, providing a student-centered learning environment that encourages interactive learning and engagement.
* Technology Integration: SMART schools aim to integrate modern technology into the curriculum, equipped with digital tools to support e-learning and digital literacy.
* Sustainable Development: Sustainable practices and eco-friendly designs are prioritized, resulting in schools that are better equipped to reduce their carbon footprint.
Achieving Resilience
The SMART Schools Project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), the Ministry of Education, Green VI, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, BVI Red Cross, and other partners. The programme is currently funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme.
The BVI SMART Schools Project’s mission is to maximize climate and disaster resilience in educational institutions, not only by equipping them with upgraded infrastructure but also by empowering students with knowledge and tools to thrive in an ever-changing world. SMART Schools Project Manager Michel Ambrose reiterated the mission, stating that the initiative aims to “support schools so that they can safeguard our students, but also empower them with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Future Plans and Expansion
The 14 schools currently participating in the SMART Schools initiative include:
* Alexandrina Maduro Primary
* Bregado Flax Educational Centre Primary and Secondary Division
* Claudia Creque Educational Centre
* Ebenezer Thomas Primary
* Enis Adams Primary
* Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary
* Elmore Stoutt High
* Francis Lettsome Primary
* Ivan Dawson Primary
* Joyce Samuel Primary
* Leonora Delville Primary
* Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary
* Willard Wheatley Primary Schools
As the BVI SMART Schools Project continues to evolve and expand, it remains committed to ensuring that all public schools in the territory are safe, sustainable, and prepared to face future challenges.
FAQs
Q: What is the SMART Schools project?
A: The SMART Schools project is an initiative aimed at enhancing resilience and sustainability in schools across the Virgin Islands.
Q: What does the SMART acronym stand for?
A: SMART stands for Safe, Motivated, Adaptable, Resilient, and Technologically Savvy, reflecting the primary goals of the initiative.
Q: Who is funding the project?
A: The European Union is funding the BVI SMART Schools Project through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme.
Q: How many schools are currently participating in the SMART Schools initiative?
A: 14 public schools in the Virgin Islands are currently participating in the SMART Schools initiative.
http://www.bviddm.com and the Department of Disaster Management’s Facebook page can be visited for regular updates on the project.