As part of its commitment to build and educate resilient youth, CREAD began its “Learn and Save” climate talk series in primary schools on April 29th, 2021.
The climate talks are delivered by Ashfred Norris, Youth Climate Change Activist and are a direct response to target #17 in the Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP) which states that 90% of the population can identify the pillars or resilience and at least one measure undertaken by the Government. By educating the youth, CREAD believes it will translate into “each one, teach one” and the youth will form part of an important catalyst in information sharing.
The inaugural climate talks took the CREAD team to the Christian Union and Goodwill Primary Schools. At Christian Union, 39 excited, knowledgeable, and engaged students from Grades four, five and six under the watchful eye of Principal Brenda George eagerly participated in physical challenges, dialogue and the making of a Tik Tok video focused on the material they were taught by Norris. Principal George commended CREAD for the initiative pointing out that the information presented to the primary schoolers will be used for a future quiz, so she was pleased they paid such rapt attention and were so keenly involved.
Over at Goodwill, 18 students from Grade 5 were just as well-informed, eager and involved as their Christian Union counterparts. At the end of the session, Deputy Principal Julienne Martin led the student group in a discussion to test what information they retained and implored them to pass on the knowledge to those at their homes. Youth Development Officer – Roseau North/Valley District, Lydia Leblanc also addressed the students encouraging full participation in the 4-H Club.
Norris easily interacted with the youth as he communicated sometimes complex information in a simple, fun, and appealing manner. His presentation was frequently interrupted by bright minds asking thoughtful
questions, making educated observations, and demonstrating their level of learning about climate change and resiliency.
The “Learn and Save” concept is intended to teach students about the realities of climate change, particularly its direct impact on Dominica and the numerous ways in which they can help to save their environment. The CREAD “Learn and Save” team will be visiting the Soufriere and Concord Primary Schools in the coming weeks with the intention that additional schools will benefit later in the year.
A satisfied Norris had this to say: “Being able to take part in this amazing series with CREAD is truly phenomenal. The main thing which struck me throughout the sessions was not only that there was a lot of energy and enthusiasm, but just the children and their interest in the topics. This just signals to me that our young people are ready and interested in learning about our environment and how to take better care of our world. After the sessions, I was literally swamped by the participants with more of their questions about what they can do to save the planet and the different things they have heard about climate change. It was just really a great opportunity to share the right information with them and get them to understand that climate change is real and it takes all of us, as young as we are, to do something in this fight from today.”
In reflecting on the sessions, CREAD’s Community Officer, Ayisha Richards said: “I believe it was a very successful event, especially witnessing the enthusiasm of the students and highlighting the importance of centering children and youth in Dominica’s bid to become the first climate resilient country in the world by 2030.”
