Envionmental Fair Held at Yallahs Primary School

Hundreds of students from 21 primary and All-Age schools participated in the Western St. Thomas and East rural St. Andrew cluster of schools’ Environmental Fair on Thursday (May 31), at the Yallahs Primary School.
The event, organized by the Western St. Thomas Principals’ Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth, was held under the theme: ‘Celebrating our Achievements – The Environment and Us’.
There were a number of educational displays, including poems, games and art work, which focused on the causes and effects of global warming and the care of the environment. Additionally, the teachers and parents participated in a ‘Mathematics made practical’ session, and health workshops organized by the St. Thomas Health Department.
Teacher at Grants Pen Primary and Junior High School Norman Grant, told JIS News that the students had created the displays under the guidance of their teachers.
“If you really want to protect the ozone layer, if you really want to protect the environment, we will have to start with the generation now. If they can develop that love for the environment then the world will be a better place,” he said.
According to Mr. Grant, the fair provided an opportunity for students and teachers to “compare notes” and to share ideas.
In declaring the function open, Custos of St. Thomas, Marcia Bennett called on the students to help to protect the environment and to keep their surroundings clean.
“You’re not too young to plant trees. The tree you plant will assist in cleaning the environment. You must also encourage your parents not to cut down trees,” she said.
Mrs. Bennett also commended the organizers, sponsors, and teachers for ensuring the success of the event. The Western St. Thomas Principals’ Association was launched in 2002.