AS part of its mandate to encourage environmental awareness and inspire literacy development, Sandals Negril has piloted lively educational sessions with students of Negril Primary School and West End Infant School.

The resort recently conducted an interactive ‘grow what you eat’ workshop with the children, while engaging them in reading comprehension activities.

The youth-targeted campaign, which relied heavily on the students’ consistent participation, creative energy and colourful imagination, included the efforts of participants between the ages of three and 10 years old.

More than 100 exuberant children were productively involved in informative conversations, guided art and craft, the completion of collaborative tasks, inspired writing and dramatic presentations. Early childhood students, in particular, were immersed in focused reading and critical thinking exercises throughout the initiative.

“Illiteracy is a real challenge in our nation. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that our children are not only literate in terms of reading and writing, but are environmentally knowledgeable as well,” said Shanique Laing, regional public relations coordinator for Sandals and Beaches Negril.

“When we present children with opportunities like this that allow them to think, imagine and create, we are, essentially, aiding their holistic growth,” added Laing.

The animated endeavour opened the floor to discussions on the cultivation and consumption of healthy food options as a viable alternative to the disconcerting dietary patterns noted among youth.

Students were able to clearly see their concerns surrounding sustainable practices mirrored in stories and analogies, and were also expressive enough to shape these experiences into actionable steps for the a future.

“Nature has provided all of the pieces required to achieve exceptional wellness and health. If we can put these pieces together with the help of stories that we can share with our youth, then we’re already miles ahead on the journey to environmental awareness,” shared regional public relations manager for Sandals and Beaches Negril, Jennese White.

“We simply need to advance our efforts by giving children more print-rich content celebrating the wonders of our natural environment with the hope that it will inspire change,” added White.

Amorie Samuels, senior teacher and environmental leader at Negril Primary School, stressed the significance of exposing children to concepts that detail the relationship between sustainable practices and good health.

“It is extremely important that we do our best to educate our youth on environmental matters. Their future depends on it,” said Samuels.

Sandals Negril says it will continue to forge partnerships with child-centred institutions with a view to empower the lives of Jamaica’s youths in the promise of a brighter future.