On Friday February 16th, 2018, the Environment Club students comprising of 3rd and 4th formers of the Cayon High School volunteered to plant fruit trees to participate in the National Volunteer Day Commemoration.
A total of eight trees were planted at the school entrance and in the garden. The trees planted were Avocado, Spice Guava, Fat Pork and Soursop. The project was a partnership with the UNESCO St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve (SMBR) programme, the Caribbean Sustainable Environment Awareness Organization (CSEAO), the Ministry of Community Development and Social Affairs and the National Volunteers Day Committee.
The students were guided by Mr. Winston “Ebro” Caesar, MAB Committee Member and Cayon Farmer, who demonstrated how to plant and maintain the trees. MAB Coordinator, Markysa O’Loughlin and SMBR resident also gave the students an opportunity to share their knowledge of the plants in a very interactive session.
Teacher and Environmental Science Club coordinator, Dr. Joyelle Clarke commented that the exercise was an excellent tool instilling the spirit of volunteerism in her students while giving them the practical experience of promoting Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 13; No Hunger and Climate Action respectively. She continued “The students are getting the opportunity to apply the knowledge taught in our Environment Club sessions. Additionally, beyond today, they will care for the plants weekly. ”.
Ms. Markysa O’Loughlin, UNESCO SMBR Committee PRO explained that the exercise is also part of an ongoing Education for Sustainable Development Programme to encourage youth participation in the growth and development of the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve.
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