Lions Club of Mona and Hope Valley students take action on climate change

The Lions Club of Mona recently partnered with the Grade 6 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students and teachers of Hope Valley Experimental School in St Andrew for an engaging day of exploration and learning about climate change.

The initiative aimed to deepen students’ understanding of this critical global issue, which is also a key topic in their PEP curriculum.

Dr Denise Forrest led an interactive and lively session covering various aspects of climate change, including:

• The difference between weather and climate change

• How the world is evolving due to climate change

• The significance of addressing climate change

• The impacts of climate change, particularly on Jamaica

• Ways individuals and communities can contribute to mitigating its effects

Following the presentations, students had the opportunity to put their knowledge into action through hands-on activities that emphasised their role in fighting climate change in a group effort.

Group 1 acted as energy auditors, touring the school building to identify energy usage and recommend more efficient alternatives. They documented their findings and discussed methods for tracking energy savings over time.

Group 2 designed a public education campaign to promote a cleaner community. They outlined strategies to involve residents in garbage and plastic waste cleanups while offering recommendations to sustain a cleaner environment.

These activities reinforced the message that no one is too young to make a difference in the fight against climate change.

EXPLORING SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS

The students also had the opportunity to visit the International Centre for Environmental Sciences (ICENS), a prestigious research institution located on the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies.

Established in 1984, ICENS houses the Slowpoke-2 Nuclear Research Reactor, a powerful tool used for Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) to assess environmental and industrial samples.

ICENS has played a pioneering role in developing solutions for environmental and industrial challenges, making it a national asset in Jamaica’s efforts to transition toward cleaner energy. With its expertise in nuclear and environmental sciences, the institution contributes to evaluating the potential of nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, a key consideration in reducing climate change impacts.

The collaboration between the Lions Club of Mona, Hope Valley Experimental students, and ICENS showcased the power of education and action in addressing climate change.

By equipping young minds with knowledge and practical experiences, the initiative reinforced that climate change is a shared responsibility – one that even the youngest members of society can help tackle.

This event not only empowered students but also highlighted the importance of community efforts in building a more sustainable future for Jamaica and beyond.