Saint Lucian Youth Group Fosters Climate Change and Health Awareness in Primary Schools

The Climate and Health Action for the Rising Generation (CHARGE), a Saint Lucian youth group born from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Climate Change and Health Leaders Fellowship Training Program, recently spearheaded a significant initiative targeting primary school students and teachers across the island nation. This two-day event, themed “Promoting Climate Change and Health Awareness in Primary Schools in Saint Lucia: Act Now for a More Sustainable and Resilient Future,” engaged 108 students and 51 teachers from 50 primary schools, representing all eight school districts. The program focused on educating young minds about the interconnectedness of climate change and health, empowering them to take proactive steps towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

Central to the initiative was a dynamic and interactive learning approach. Four-hour sessions held at two locations blended educational content with engaging activities. Participants engaged in question-and-answer segments to solidify their understanding of climate change and its health impacts. Creative activities such as dance, treasure hunts, role-playing, and craft sessions fostered teamwork, problem-solving skills, and creative expression, making the learning experience both enjoyable and impactful. The initiative underscored the importance of personal health, environmental stewardship, and the practical application of the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” principle. Planting activities further emphasized the concept of sustainability and its role in mitigating climate change.

Adding a novel long-term dimension to this year’s initiative, CHARGE, in collaboration with its partners, will provide ongoing support to selected primary schools in establishing and enhancing school kitchen gardens. This extended engagement aims to instill sustainable cultivation practices, further embedding the principles of sustainability and healthy living within the school community. This practical approach complements the theoretical knowledge imparted during the two-day sessions, fostering a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of climate change, health, and sustainable practices.

The genesis of CHARGE can be traced back to the passion and vision of Dr. Kim Newton-James, a 2021 graduate of the UWI Fellowship program. Dr. Newton-James, driven by a profound understanding of the link between environmental health and public health, not only trained young people but also ignited their community engagement and spurred them to translate their knowledge into action. A previous project spearheaded by Dr. Newton-James saw youth participants utilizing their mobile phones to document the tangible impacts of climate change within their communities and subsequently develop innovative solutions. This early emphasis on action and community involvement laid the groundwork for the establishment of CHARGE and its subsequent impactful initiatives.

CHARGE’s President, Kezia St Brice-Isidore, emphasized the program’s dual focus on equipping students with knowledge and empowering them to take ownership of their learning and environment. The initiative’s blend of education, creativity, and active engagement aims to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious problem-solvers prepared to lead the charge towards a sustainable future. This empowerment approach is crucial in fostering a sense of responsibility and agency among young people, enabling them to become active participants in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The success of the initiative is further amplified by the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. CHARGE has forged partnerships with several key 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, the Bureau of Health Education, and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. This collaborative network ensures a multi-faceted approach to addressing climate change and health, leveraging the expertise and resources of various sectors. Funding for the initiative was secured through the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, via the 2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund of the U.S. Department of State, accessed by Fulbright Scholars Dr. Newton-James and Dr. Winston Phulgence. This international collaboration highlights the global recognition of the importance of addressing climate change and empowering youth to take a leading role in creating a sustainable future. The combined efforts of CHARGE, its partners, and international funding sources underscore the collective responsibility and commitment to fostering a generation of climate-conscious and health-aware individuals.