Flanker Primary School in St James and Sandals Foundation have forged a partnership aimed at improving students’ knowledge and appreciation of the environment.

“While the school already has an environmental club that has made significant strides, this partnership will specifically target students in grades four, five, and six. The aim is to bring together a dynamic group of students dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within their school and the broader community,” Sandals said in a news release.

According to Sandals Regional Public Relations Manager Rochelle Forbes-Reid, the objective is simple: “to raise awareness of environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and conservation; to promote sustainable practices like recycling and reducing single-use plastics; and to encourage community involvement through clean-up projects and tree planting”.

This, she said, will unfold through a series of eco-friendly sessions, green projects, and recycling drives. The first of several sessions was held on World Environment Day, June 5.

In keeping with this year’s theme, the Sandals team enlisted the support of the Forestry Department to teach the Flanker Primary School students about land restoration, drought resilience, and desertification.

During the session, the forestry team encouraged the students to recognise the value of forests and to act in ways that protect them. They were also instructed on best practices such as planting trees to increase forest cover, avoiding encroachment on protected areas for farming or raising animals, and not illegally harvesting timber and forest produce. The session concluded with students planting a variety of fruit-bearing trees.

“I really loved the experience,” said student Avery Marks.

Principal Collette Barnes expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Sandals Foundation, saying, “I am confident that this partnership will stimulate improvements in academic performance and increase student engagement, fostering a deeper sense of community.”

She is also hopeful that involvement in the Environmental Club will support students in other subject areas.

Sandals Foundation said it recognises that as digitisation increases, balancing screen time with nature-based activities is essential for the holistic development and environmental awareness of children born after 2010 and known as Generation Alpha.

The foundation has been working for the past 15 years to educate communities, including young students, fisherfolk, and Sandals Resorts volunteers, about effective conservation practices.