Windsor Primary Students shine at Caribbean Young Environmental Competition

Two months after securing top honours at the VINLEC National Science Fair, four students from the Windsor Primary School have once again proven their excellence; this time at the prestigious Young Environmental Scientist (YES) Macmillan Caribbean Competition. The school’s representatives were- Donray Greaves, Ajene King Zhi-Jason

Hannaway, and Kyra Haynes, a release from the educational institution states. At the regional event, which brought together talented young minds from across the Caribbean, the students earned recognition for their innovative ideas and project, and impressed judges with their sustainable and renewable plant-based battery technology made from non-toxic locally available materials.

With strong participation from Caribbean schools, Windsor Primary School placed 4th overall in the Primary Level category behind Guyana (3rd ), Jamaica (2nd ) and Trinidad and Tobago (1st ).

The YES Competition, organized by Macmillan Caribbean, is a prestigious regional event designed to empower and inspire young minds. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their creativity, innovative projects, and problem-solving skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a strong emphasis on sustainability. By engaging participants in hands-on research and project development, the competition encourages critical thinking and fosters a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation and scientific inquiry.

Open to schools across the Caribbean, the YES Competition attracts a diverse range of participants, creating an environment where young scientists can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and gain exposure to real-world applications of STEM.

Through this initiative, Macmillan Caribbean aims to stimulate a passion for science and sustainability, equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to address pressing environmental challenges and contribute to the region’s sustainable development.

The release states that the foundation for the students’ project was laid long before the competition itself, beginning at a summer camp hosted by MD Academy. During the camp, some of the students had the opportunity to interact with instructor, Tonye Roberts Ogolo, who introduced them to a wide range of STEM activities. Through hands-on experiments and engaging discussions, Ogolo exposed the campers to the latest advancements in science and technology, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to explore innovative solutions.

One of the key areas he emphasized was energy production and storage. His guidance inspired the students to think critically about the role of batteries in modern technology. Intrigued by the potential applications and the toxic chemicals left behind after batteries are disposed of, the students conducted further research to understand their significance. This research was supported by their parents, teachers and Ogolo, who has been collaborating with Windsor Primary School on science projects for several years, the release outlines.

Motivated by their findings, the students developed their project and presented it at the VINLEC National Science Fair, winning the top prize in the Upper Primary School category. Encouraged by this success, the students, led by Ogolo, decided to take the project to the next level by entering the prestigious

YES Macmillan Caribbean Competition. Under Ogolo’s continued guidance, the students refined their ideas and prepared to compete on the regional stage, eager to showcase their work among the best young scientists in the Caribbean.

Their success at the YES Macmillan Caribbean Competition holds great significance, not only for their school but for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole, the release points out. Their impressive fourth-place finish on the regional stage highlights the growing strength of STEM education in the country and the potential of young Vincentians to compete at an international level.

This achievement serves as an inspiration to other students, encouraging greater participation in science and innovation. It reinforces the importance of hands-on learning, research, and critical thinking which are key skills needed to drive technological advancements and sustainable development in the Caribbean.

Additionally, the release notes that the competition experience has expanded the students’ knowledge, confidence, and problem-solving abilities. By engaging with peers from across the region, they gained valuable exposure to different perspectives and approaches to scientific inquiry.

“This is a proud moment for us at Windsor Primary School”, but its Principal, Kenneth Burgin, is quoted as saying, “ my pride equally extends to the wonderful work and tremendous effort being undertaken by the Ministry of Education and other agencies, including Macmillan Caribbean, to foster interest in STEM fields and learning in general.

Ultimately, this success is not just a win for the students but a step forward for science and innovation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, paving the way for more young minds to explore, invent, and contribute to solving global challenges”.