US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association
On Nov. 20 and 21, teachers met with representatives from Eco-Schools and the National Wildlife Federation for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program Teacher Professional Development Training workshops. The program was adapted for the U.S. Virgin Islands using a version of the NYC Resilience in Schools Curriculum (RiSC). Ten educators from Charlotte Amalie High School, Eudora Kean High School, Gifft Hill School, St. Croix Educational Complex High School, St. Croix Central High School, St. Croix Career and Technology High School and Montessori School were in attendance.
“Educators participated in ‘hands-on’ experiential and discussion-based training that supported them in becoming familiar with the revised curriculum that they will implement in their schools as they explore problems associated with severe weather events and look to solutions to mitigate flooding issues on the individual campuses,” said Pamela New, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Program Coordinator for Eco-Schools USVI.
Marya Fowler, National Wildlife Federation Regional Director of Education, noted, “[The teachers] are committed to finding a way to engage in Eco-Schools and to use the adapted RiSC curriculum with their students. They want to help increase their students’ environmental literacy particularly as it pertains to climate change and resilience. They want to empower their students to have the knowledge, skills and voice so they can stay on Island, become future decision makers and help to build a better future for all.”
“The Hotel Association location proved an ideal place for both in-depth academic discussion and also an on-property walkabout to look at potential flooding issues and an opportunity to brainstorm green resiliency design possibilities,” New said.
If you would like to provide financial support for these vital programs, donations can be made through the Virgin Islands Conservation Society or through a fund set up at the Community Foundation of the VI. Both qualify as non-profit, tax deductible donations. Contact Valerie Peters at Blueflagusvi@gmail.com or 340-344-8446 with questions.
