With Jamaica’s highly diverse geographical composition, biodiversity has grown significantly as an area of focus. Members of the corporate landscape; TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH) and Jamaican Infrastructure Operator Limited (JIO) recognized this, and have partnered with the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) in a long term commitment to help communities gain awareness about biodiversity and related issues.
The highly anticipated Biodiversity Awareness Project will be housed in a dedicated Biodiversity Centre on the Chandler’s Pen Primary & Junior High School campus, Chateau Clarendon, which was announced during a public sensitization of the programme at the school on Friday, November 25, 2011.
The event commenced with a speech from Gregory King, Principal of Chandler’s Pen, who immediately expressed his sincere gratitude to the TJH, JIO, and IOJ teams for their dedication to the school and awarding them with this wonderful opportunity. He understood that members of the Natural History Museum of Jamaica, a division of the IOJ, searched long and hard to find a deserving school and shared pleasure with them in being selected as the initial location of the biodiversity program.
Judeen Meikle spoke on behalf of the IOJ thanking TJH and JIO for making the project possible and allowing the children to learn the importance of preserving plants, animals, and the natural environment. She stated “Our biodiversity is our life. We are proud to give this to the school and help young children develop a better appreciation for the environment, and we encourage you all to do your part in protecting it.”
The programme will have a positive impact on youth and older members of the community, through specialised environmental education for the purposes of sustainability. Nicole Kuster, JIO Administrative & Communications Chief Officer stated; “This is a unique experiential learning opportunity and we anticipate it to be highly beneficial not only to the direct community of Chateau Clarendon, but the entire country of Jamaica. Educating young minds towards a better and more sustainable environment is the assurance for a better future.”
The building, along with the Biodiversity programme’s curriculum, represent the first of its kind in Jamaica and is expected to provide individuals with an exclusive educational opportunity, blending direct interaction with the local environment with the expansion of creative sensibilities with a focus on biodiversity and the benefits of a sustainable environment.
The construction of the actual centre is slated to begin late November, with completion expected by the end of the year. Commencement of the actual programme, however, will begin in a designated classroom on the Chandler’s Pen Primary & Junior High School campus within the next few weeks.
“TJH, JIO and all involved parties are extremely grateful for the positive responses from members of the community and the support of the Chandler’s Pen Primary & Junior High School. We are looking forward to progression of the programme,” concluded Miss Kuster.
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