A Positive Force for Change
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
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On Friday, May 24th, a group of MBTS Upper Elementary students took part in a peaceful protest outside the government building in George Town. Joined by like-minded students from other schools, the students made signs (from reusable paper and cardboard) to show unity against Climate Change. Some of the signs highlighted the continued use of Styrofoam and single-use plastics, as well as the importance of protecting our coral reef and objections to the building of the pier. The Hon. Dwayne Seymour, Minister for the Environment, addressed the 200 students present at the protest about the importance of voicing one’s opinion and the need to make Cayman a more environmentally conscious country. He recognized there is still a long way to go, but highlighted some of the islands’ initiatives to promote green living. This opportunity was a wonderful way for our young activists to realize that they have a voice – a voice that will be heard when communicating the message in a peaceful manner.
Some of those students who attended the protest were the very same students who entered experiments and displays in the recently-held Rotary Science Fair. Many of their investigations were based on challenging our everyday routines, and questioning how our daily practices affect our environment. Two students focused on researching how often people in Cayman use plastic bags when shopping. Another student focused on answering the question, “Is our waste recyclable?” while another student’s display focused on “The importance of reef-safe sunscreen.” The timeliness and relevance of all of the topics being investigated clearly resonated with the community, and MBTS students garnered first and third place in the Environmental Sciences category.
Rightly and with ever-increasing urgency, the topics of climate change and our planet’s environmental health ignite the moral compass of our elementary-aged children. With persistence, education and hard work , this next generation will make a positive impact on these pressing issues, and bring about the change that they wish to see in the world.