The Youth Environmental Ambassadors (YEA) program commemorated the successful conclusion of its 2024 program with a ceremony held on Saturday, May 11th, at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy’s auditorium.
In its 11th year, the YEA program continues its legacy of empowering and nurturing young environmentalists, reaffirming its dedication to fostering sustainable change. Over five transformative months, a dynamic cohort of passionate young individuals immersed themselves in exploring marine life and local environmental challenges while honing their skills.
Youth Environmental Ambassadors pictured with Program Facilitators at a ceremony on May 11th.
This year’s 16 junior students hailed from six schools across Grand Bahama: Lucaya International, Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Sir Jack Hayward Junior High, Sister Mary Patricia Russell Junior High, Summit Heights Preparatory and St. George’s High. Their diverse representation underscores the program’s collaborative spirit, fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
YEA, Matari Turnquest uses graphs to show the similarities between fish species inhabiting mangroves and coral reefs.
“The YEA program stands as a beacon of hope, guiding our youth towards a future of environmental stewardship and community engagement,” remarked Andurah Daxon, YEA Program Coordinator. “As we celebrate another successful year, we encourage even broader participation from schools across Grand Bahama. Together, we can expand our impact, amplify our voices, and cultivate a generation of eco-warriors dedicated to preserving and protecting our precious environment.”
The celebratory event featured dynamic displays of leadership, innovation, and commitment to environmental causes by the participating Ambassadors. Groups presented insightful projects on artificial reefs, mangroves, coral and their associated ecosystems.
YEA group projects on mangroves, fish species, coral, and artificial reefs on display.
If you’re passionate about nurturing your child’s environmental consciousness and leadership skills, we invite you to get in touch with us at connect@waterkeepersbahamas.org to learn more about how they can join the YEA program in 2025. All enthusiastic young minds eager to positively impact our planet are welcome.