Five secondary students have learned to apply their scientific understanding in the Virgin Islands as part of the Department of Disaster Management’s summer programme. 

The programme covered fields like engineering, electronics, and environmental conservation and featured guest speakers working in the Virgin Islands, whose interactive sessions on desalination, solar energy, disaster management, meteorology, climate change and the Virgin Islands’ unique natural habitat.

Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn said the programme helped students connect with what they have learned in their science classes and was impactful thanks to highly interactive sessions.

Mr. Penn said, “All the presenters had props, models, or interactive exercises with the participants, so each student had a chance to engage directly with persons working in these various fields. Students were challenged to apply this material to their daily lives, and, we hope, encouraged to consider taking on similar careers.” 

Students concluded the week-long programme with a day of site visits to key locations related to the week’s material, including the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Mangrove Nursery and Marine Centre laboratory; Long Bay Beef Island Beach, and a DDM weather station.

The summer programme was developed in partnership with World Meteorological Organisation youth focal point for the Americas Ms. Nardia Magloire. It was supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports; and by two private donors who provided transportation and refreshment for the participants. 

Director Penn extended his thanks to all the presenters and site facilitators - Ms. Angela Burnett-Penn, Ms. Lorna Dawson, Mr. Chad George, Ms. Jian Jeffers, Ms. Nia Jeffers, Mr. Elyon Jones, Mr. Devlon Joseph, Mr. Niklaus Kanai, Mr. Delauni Moses, Mr. Dwayne Nibbs, Mr. Kevon Smith and Ms. Susan Zaluski.

 Scenes from the 2025 summer programme for secondary students held at Elmore Stoutt High School. (Credit: Department of Disaster Management)