Five high school students got hands-on experience in engineering, electronics, environmental conservation and other topics during the Department of Disaster Management’s annual summer programme.
The weeklong initiative was developed in partnership with Nardia Magloire, the World Meteorological Organisation’s youth focal point for the Americas, according to DDM.
It featured guest speakers from across the Virgin Islands who covered topics such as desalination, solar energy, disaster management, meteorology, climate change and the natural environment.
DDM Director Jasen Penn said the programme was designed to help participants connect their classroom learning to real-world applications. “All the presenters had props, models or interactive exercises with the participants, so each student had a chance to engage directly with persons working in these various fields,” Mr. Penn said. “Students were challenged to apply this material to their daily lives, and, we hope, encouraged to consider taking on similar careers.”
The programme concluded with site visits to locations including the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Mangrove Nursery and Marine Centre laboratory, Long Bay Beach on Beef Island, and a DDM weather station.
The programme received backing from the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, along with two private donors who provided transportation and refreshments.
Mr. Penn thanked the professionals who led sessions or hosted students at sites, who included Angela Burnett Penn, Lorna Dawson, Chad George, Jian Jeffers, Nia Jeffers, Elyon Jones, Devlon Joseph, Niklaus Kanai, Delauni Moses, Dwayne Nibbs, Kevon Smith and Susan Zaluski.