Sandwatch Most Significant Change Stories: 2017 Trinidad & Tobago
Submitted by Andy Paul, Principal Mayaro Government Primary School & Sandwatch Coordinator for Trinidad & Tobago
Sandwatch and the Community Trinidad & Tobago
The Impact of Sandwatch in Trinidad and Tobago.
Sandwatch in Trinidad and Tobago have had a great impact on students who were involved and also the community at large. This program changed the mindset of many in terms of behavior, performance, empowerment, leadership, confidence and community services.
The activities of Sandwatch and the involvement of so many young people have inspired the community to get involved and contribute as they have contributed to materials such as microscopes, garbage bags, finances etc. needed to successfully run the program. Activities such as “Sand Splash” and beach clean ups have brought communities from far and wide to work together on a common goal.
This program has produced many leaders and confident individuals. After being involved in the program for a number of years, many students have been empowered and went on to further their studies in various environmental studies. It has also taught parents, students and teachers that education goes beyond the four walls in the classroom.
Here are some testimonials of the direct impact of persons involved in the program;
Sade Forgeine - Past Student;
I have been involved in the program for about 15 years. After I graduated from primary school I continued to participate in this amazing program. From doing the basic three points sand analysis, wave interval and measurements of the beach width at Mayaro, helped me to understand and appreciate the environment in a special way. I have had the exposure of transferring this knowledge to other beaches in Tobago, where we visited every three months to do monitoring. This has influenced me in choosing my focus subjects in secondary school to study sciences. It has enabled me to understand and appreciate the environment more. I eventually went on to study environmental and Natural Resource Management along with biology at university level. I guess it has influenced me a lot. One of my good friends also got involved in the group and was perused in a similar manner to me, in studying environmental sciences at the university level. My mother would be very involved and would attend all our events. I was also given the opportunity to be a judge at the BPTT secondary schools’ environmental debate competition.
Mrs. Ali - Teacher at Mayaro Government Primary School;
I have been exposed to this program for just about three years now and I can say that I have changed immensely due to this program. From my experience of doing beach cleanups I have learnt the importance of keeping the environment clean and the impact of pollution to life on earth. I have also seen hands on learning taking place, as students are actively involved in activities. I now see things differently and think differently as I am more confident and empowered to participate in activities and speak out at things that are wrong. I had the opportunity to be a part of a partnership program with the Kings Park Academy School in England. Thus, I have learnt and adapted new and innovative teaching techniques. I have also learnt that education goes beyond the traditional paper and pencil technique.
Sandwatch and the Community Trinidad & Tobago
The Impact of Sandwatch in Trinidad and Tobago.
Sandwatch in Trinidad and Tobago have had a great impact on students who were involved and also the community at large. This program changed the mindset of many in terms of behavior, performance, empowerment, leadership, confidence and community services.
The activities of Sandwatch and the involvement of so many young people have inspired the community to get involved and contribute as they have contributed to materials such as microscopes, garbage bags, finances etc. needed to successfully run the program. Activities such as “Sand Splash” and beach clean ups have brought communities from far and wide to work together on a common goal.
This program has produced many leaders and confident individuals. After being involved in the program for a number of years, many students have been empowered and went on to further their studies in various environmental studies. It has also taught parents, students and teachers that education goes beyond the four walls in the classroom.
Here are some testimonials of the direct impact of persons involved in the program;
Sade Forgeine - Past Student;
I have been involved in the program for about 15 years. After I graduated from primary school I continued to participate in this amazing program. From doing the basic three points sand analysis, wave interval and measurements of the beach width at Mayaro, helped me to understand and appreciate the environment in a special way. I have had the exposure of transferring this knowledge to other beaches in Tobago, where we visited every three months to do monitoring. This has influenced me in choosing my focus subjects in secondary school to study sciences. It has enabled me to understand and appreciate the environment more. I eventually went on to study environmental and Natural Resource Management along with biology at university level. I guess it has influenced me a lot. One of my good friends also got involved in the group and was perused in a similar manner to me, in studying environmental sciences at the university level. My mother would be very involved and would attend all our events. I was also given the opportunity to be a judge at the BPTT secondary schools’ environmental debate competition.
Mrs. Ali - Teacher at Mayaro Government Primary School;
I have been exposed to this program for just about three years now and I can say that I have changed immensely due to this program. From my experience of doing beach cleanups I have learnt the importance of keeping the environment clean and the impact of pollution to life on earth. I have also seen hands on learning taking place, as students are actively involved in activities. I now see things differently and think differently as I am more confident and empowered to participate in activities and speak out at things that are wrong. I had the opportunity to be a part of a partnership program with the Kings Park Academy School in England. Thus, I have learnt and adapted new and innovative teaching techniques. I have also learnt that education goes beyond the traditional paper and pencil technique.