BVI Youth Inspired by Disaster Management's Summer
Five secondary students participated in an engaging summer programme hosted by the Department of Disaster Management, aimed at applying scientific understanding to real-world scenarios in the Virgin Islands. The programme featured interactive sessions on environmental conservation, disaster management, and more, with site visits to reinforce learning.
In a significant stride towards fostering climate resilience among the youth, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) successfully concluded its summer programme for secondary students, blending scientific education with practical experiences. Held in September 2025, the week-long initiative saw the participation of five students who dived into a variety of subjects including engineering, electronics, and environmental conservation, all within the unique context of the Virgin Islands.
The programme was enriched with guest speakers from diverse professional backgrounds operating in the Virgin Islands. They delivered interactive sessions on a range of critical topics such as desalination, solar energy, disaster management, meteorology, climate change, and the peculiar natural habitat of the Virgin Islands.
Jasen Penn, Director of Disaster Management, underscored the programme's effectiveness in bridging classroom learning with real-world applications. He highlighted the use of props, models, and interactive exercises that allowed students to engage directly with experts, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material.
A highlight of the programme was the day of site visits, which included the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Mangrove Nursery and Marine Centre laboratory, Long Bay Beef Island Beach, and a DDM weather station. These visits were pivotal in translating theoretical knowledge into tangible insights about the students' immediate environment and potential career paths in science and disaster management.
The initiative was a collaborative effort, developed with the support of the World Meteorological Organisation's youth focal point for the Americas, Ms. Nardia Magloire, and backed by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, along with two private donors who contributed towards transportation and refreshments.
Director Penn extended his gratitude towards all the facilitators and presenters for their invaluable contributions. This summer programme signifies a step forward in engaging the youth of the Virgin Islands in meaningful discussions about climate resilience and environmental stewardship.
By connecting academic learning with practical experiences, the DDM aims to inspire a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle the environmental challenges unique to the Virgin Islands.
Primary source: BVI Government