MAC pupils display their science projects during the Expo for Environmental Awareness.
PHILIPSBURG--Pupils, teachers and school managers from Methodist Agogic Center (MAC) Browilia F. Maillard and John A. Gumbs campuses participated in the Expo for Environmental Awareness at the World Environmental Day activities held at the Water Front in Marigot, Saint-Martin on June 7 and 8.
On the first day of the event, the two schools displayed alternative solutions to combat environmental concerns in St. Maarten. Pupils presented a project entitled “Dump Cano,” in which they identified the landfill in St. Maarten as an eye-sour and a threat to tourists. One solution is to construct a recycling facility at the dump where recyclable materials can be collected, sorted and shipped offshore for processing into new products. Other projects that were highlighted were the three Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle); the use of alternative energy, such as solar power and global warming.
French St. Maarten officials were “very impressed” with the science projects produced by the youngsters and encouraged pupils to keep up the great work at their respective schools.
On the second day of the event Claude Javois, who developed MAC’s school-wide sustainable waste management project entitled “the Green Dream Project,” displayed the project to attendees on a giant outdoor screen. His PowerPoint presentation highlighted every phase of the initiative. Javois believes that the MAC schools have the best and most structured volunteered based waste management project on the island because of its unique “Green Teams” and “Green Teens” formula and its sustainable waste management zoning schemes. “It has always been his dream to introduce a sustainable measure to provide a learning opportunity for the youngsters, whom will be the leaders of tomorrow,” Javois said in a press release on Wednesday. He said having MAC pupils involved in a sustainable waste management project is first class. He said also that tourists come to the island to enjoy its surroundings and the population must thrive to having a clean environment.
The UNESCO St. Maarten National Commission commended the schools on their exhibitions at the event. Secretary General for UNESCO Marcellia Henry said: “the MAC students, teachers, executive director Rose Hughes-Coram and innovator and coordinator of “The Green Dream Project,” Claude Javois, did an exemplary job-sharing information verbally and through a brochure and answering questions posed about displayed environmental type science projects.”
“The well-constructed, eye-catching and enlightening science projects done by the elementary schools that were on full display for the community to interact and manipulate, highlighted the students’ understanding and advocacy for protecting our environment. Their performances (dance, skit/recital) were also exceptional and challenged the audience to also become champions for protecting and preserving our environment.”
She said the St. Maarten National Commission looks forward to future initiatives that the school will organise to build awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.
Javois thanked everyone involved in the event and said MAC schools hope for a sustainable relationship with the Collectivity of Saint- Martin and the Préfecture for its participation in future sustainable activities.
