14 primary schools benefit from SMART schools project

in All News / By: BVI News on October 7, 2024 at 6:03 AM /

Fourteen primary schools across the territory recently benefited from a SMART schools project aimed at enhancing resilience and sustainability in educational facilities through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme.

The project seeks to expand its mission to maximise climate and disaster resilience in schools. These enhancements include structural upgrades, energy and water conservation measures, and the establishment of sustainable practices such as school gardens, recycling and waste reduction.

As announced in a press release by the Governor’s Group on Thursday, October 4, these schools received upgraded infrastructure, improved safety standards and integrated green practices that protects students and also withstands the impacts of climate change.

“The 14 schools involved in the project have undergone extensive assessments and improvements to meet rigorous international safety standards managed by the Department of Disaster Management,” the press release said.

“Schools that meet these safety standards are certified as Safe, with those incorporating additional green practices being designated as SMART,” it continued.

“With this project and thanks to the work of our partners, the mission is to support the schools so that they can safeguard our students, but also empower them with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an ever-changing world,’ stated project manager Michel Ambrose.

“The upgrades implemented are a critical step toward achieving that goal,” she added.

The project, funded by the European Union seeks to expand its mission to maximise climate and disaster resilience in schools by adding key partner agencies.

Schools presently participating in the SMART Schools initiative include, Alexandrina Maduro Primary, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Primary and Secondary Division, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ebenezer Thomas Primary, Enis Adams Primary, Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary, Elmore Stoutt High, Francis Lettsome Primary, Ivan Dawson Primary, Joyce Samuel Primary, Leonora Delville Primary, Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary and Willard Wheatley Primary schools.