The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is challenging Year 5 and 6 students to become eco-warriors to protect the environment and be selected for scholarships to take part in its Marine Ecology Course on Little Cayman.
The three-day, all expenses-paid field trip to Little Cayman, during which students can explore the pristine reefs of the island, is guided by CCMI’s team of marine experts.
The course covers tropical marine biology, ecology, and conservation topics through immersive activities such as snorkelling, species identification, beach cleanups, field trips, lionfish dissections, a range of interactive classes, and more.
According to a press release issued by CCMI, scholarships for the course, supported by the BODA Charitable Star Trust, will be awarded to two classes from government primary schools (Years 5 and 6) this year.
Since 2017, more than 250 local students have received scholarships to attend the course.
“Following the hottest summer on record, inspiring the next generation to combat climate change has never been more urgent,” CCMI said in the release.
It said it was challenging all Year 5 and 6 government school classes “to rise to the occasion and make changes in their schools and the wider Cayman community”.
It is encouraging teachers and administrators to empower students to take impactful action for the environment.
The two eligible classes to demonstrate the most significant positive impact will be the awarded the all-expense-paid journey to attend the course, during which they will build on their knowledge and actions demonstrated in the application, “gaining an in-depth understanding about vital marine ecosystems and the importance of safeguarding these environments for the future”.
A testimonial from one student who took part in last year’s course reads: “Amazing experience! I wish I could stay. I’ve learned so much and it was so fun, also I can now help the environment more. This was the best 3 days of my life! I hope to come again when I’m 13 and I want to work here when I grow up.”
Teacher Rachel Klein, who chaperoned students from Edna Moyle Primary School last year, said, “The programme has a life-changing impact. The personal growth of each student – their confidence exploring the ocean and their increased knowledge and passion for the ocean were notable over the course of their time at CCMI.”
The deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday, 29 Sept.
The winning classes will be invited to travel to Little Cayman and take part in the course 14-16 Nov. or 21-23 Nov.
To find out more about the Marine Ecology Course, click here.
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