The Young Leaders of the St. Clair Dacon Secondary School joined their fellow students across the island, as they launched their project in the RBTT-funded competition at a ceremony held at the school on Monday, March 2nd, 2009.{{more}}

The topic for 2009 is “The Green Revolution: Global Challenge, Regional Responsibility, National Focus”. The school’s sub-theme is “Colour me green”.

The ceremony heard addresses from Anesia Richards-Baptiste, Communications Manager in the Ministry of Tourism, Community Activist Andrew Simmons, who was the feature speaker, and Winsbert Quow, Manager of the Solid Waste Management Department.

Simmons and Quow made presentations on the negative effects of pollution and improper waste disposal, and advocated ways in which the students could help to keep the environment healthy. Baptiste donated 100 re-usable carrier bags to the Young Leaders as part of a collaboration in which the Young Leaders will sell the bags in and around Kingstown, and hand out flyers with tips on recycling.

The Young Leaders recently visited a farm in Dauphine owned by Richard Minors. This outing also included the school’s Form 4 Agriculture class. Minors practices organic farming and gave the students advice on how to implement an agricultural plot on the school’s compound. This is part of a project to grow tomatoes, string beans, sweet peppers and cucumbers, which will assist with the school’s Feeding Programme.

Coordinating Teacher Charmaine Deane related that the Young Leaders have several ongoing projects and many more scheduled for the future, one of which is a promotional drive. (JSV)