Students across Antigua and Barbuda were given an opportunity on Thursday to have a better appreciation for biodiversity and aquatic thanks to the Sandals Foundation.

Officials at the resort used marine-focused worksheets, storybooks, and other fun learning materials to educate students on the topic.

The beneficiaries were grade three students from the Villa, Greenbay, and Cedar Grove Primary Schools who according to Sandals, journeyed to the Resort and were engaged on a cross-section of topics including plastic pollution, overfishing, marine sanctuary management, as well as biodiversity and coral health and function.

Sandals Foundation’s Environmental Projects Coordinator said environmental education is a big part of the company’s efforts

“Informed people can make better decisions. In keeping with this year’s theme for World Oceans Day which speaks to the need for us to conserve our wonderful marine resources for future generations it was important for us to engage children across the region through environmental education sessions. By empowering children to take action for environmental protection, we are creating a strong platform for the sustained protection of our region’s natural resources,” she said.

Meanwhile, at the Greenbay Primary School, Julia James said she was elated to have the Sandals Foundation Ambassadors engage students in this manner.

She said the event was very interactive and refreshing for the students saying that the educational level derived from the activity surpassed expectations

“The awareness and educational value that came from the session was more than what I initially expected. The facilitator really encapsulated the message and importance of our marine spaces – the importance of them and how we should protect them. I was truly impressed with this session and I honestly think this experience of bringing the students outside of the traditional classroom setting for learning should be something that the Foundation continues to strive for as my students were thoroughly focused and engaged,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shadrah Modeste, a nine-year-old student who benefited from the initiative, said the session was entertaining and enlightening

 “I am happy my school was invited to be a part of this session. I was able to learn about the coral reefs and how to protect them and what can happen if we don’t save our reefs. I also really enjoyed the reading and comprehension activity and that some of us kids won prizes for participating,” she added

The management of Sandals said all in all, the day was a success.