FortisTCI, Telecoms Commission join govt in ‘Greening Our Schools’

FortisTCI and several other companies have jumped onboard with the government to encourage schools in the Islands to inculcate sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches on campuses.

As part of the utility company’s ‘Energy Week’ hosted last week, Fortis sponsored the launch of the ‘Greening Our Schools’ initiative, a campaign that first kicked off in January.

The launch was hosted on May 30, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales.

During the event, several public and private sector agencies set up educational booths for the children, with team members giving demonstrations on how sustainable and environmentally friendly practices can be incorporated.

There was also a panel discussion, where among others, FortisTCI’s Vice President of Innovation, Technology and Strategic Planning, Rachell Roullet, shared her expertise on the topic ‘Green Thinking: Conserving today for tomorrow’.

Among those on display was the Telecommunications commission, which this week officially announced its partnership, stating:

“We are immensely excited to embark on this transformative journey, working hand in hand with schools and communities to foster a sustainable future.

“Let us collectively make environmental responsibility a cornerstone of education and serve as an inspiration for generations to come. Join us in the 'Greening Our Schools' movement for a greener and brighter future. Together, we can create a lasting positive impact on our planet.”

Explaining their enthusiasm for the venture, the Telecoms commission said the initiative seeks to seamlessly integrate environmental awareness and action into the very essence of school life, with the hope that this sustainable mindset will permeate the surrounding communities and endure into adulthood.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Education's Curriculum Development Unit and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources' (DECR) Outreach Unit. It will take off fully in September.

The team from the two departments has been working with primary and high schools around the islands to foster environmental awareness and action by developing resource, energy and environmentally literate citizens through service projects, leadership and activism.

Schools are encouraged to choose from four themes - Biodiversity, Electricity Conservation, Water Conservation, and Waste Management - and creatively solve the problems faced by the school and their community under the chosen theme.

They are then guided through the initial process and a review will be done at the end of the school year, where they may qualify for 'Green Flag' status upon successful review of their project.

The coveted prize, the 'Green Ribbon', will be awarded to the school with outstanding performance - enhancing sustainability practices among all schools with Green Flag status.