Ministers Unveil Sustainability Guide
Environment Minister Walter Roban and Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith jointly launched “Sustaining Bermuda: A Resource Guide on Sustainable Development Issues for Educators, Teachers and Parents.
This 54-page guide has been designed to introduce the concept of sustainable development to Bermuda’s school students by applying its principles to issues facing the island.
“Each of the chapters deals with either an economic, environmental or social sustainability issue,” said Mr. Roban. “It is hoped that the information and activities contained within its pages will excite and enhance further exploration of those concepts which are critical to Bermuda.
Ministers Roban and Smith and Director of the Sustainable Development Department Charles Brown:
“This initiative aims to challenge young Bermudians to be proactive about our future and to work together to make choices that sustain our communities while respecting our environmental limits, protecting our natural heritage and doing so within a strong and inclusive economy.”
Minister Roban’s full remarks appear below:
Good afternoon everyone,
I am pleased to be here today to recognize the completion of Sustaining Bermuda: A Resource Guide on Sustainable Development Issues for Educators, Teachers and Parents.
This guide is the product of a great deal of hard work from a very small team of individuals, all committed to the idea of a better Bermuda…and I want to thank them each of them for their perseverance in seeing this ambitious vision into fruition. And don’t think you’ve got away without being named –- that’s coming in a minute!
In order to decide our future we must all have an understanding of the issues that affect our Island, both locally and globally. This Resource Guide was designed to introduce teaching and activity strategies on Sustainable Development issues into our school settings.
This guide is for educators, teachers and parents of school-age children who want to help them learn about Sustainable Development – specifically as it applies to some of our social, economic and environmental issues. It is intended to supplement curricular activities in a number of subjects including Language, Arts, Social Studies and Science.
This 54-page Resource Guide has been designed to break the concept of Sustainable Development into the real life issues that face Bermuda. Each of the chapters deals with either an economic, environmental or social sustainability issue. These include:
• Waste Management
• Energy Use
• Water Conservation
• Understanding Climate Change
• Keeping Our Oceans Healthy
• Valuing our Built Heritage
• Keeping Tourism Strong
• Promoting Economic Equality
• Staying Drug Free
• ….And Recognising that Crime Doesn’t Pay.Each of these topics in the Resource Guide includes an overview, a list of ways that individuals can make a difference, as well as fun activities for students to take part in – with suggestions for specific activities for primary, middle and high school-age students.
It is hoped that the information and activities contained within its pages will excite and enhance further exploration of those concepts which are critical to Bermuda.
This initiative aims to challenge young Bermudians to be proactive about our future and to work together to make choices that sustain our communities while respecting our environmental limits, protecting our natural heritage and doing so within a strong and inclusive economy.
It must be mentioned that this Resource Guide is a first draft. We want educators to use it and tell us what they think. The Sustainable Development Department is hoping to receive additional ideas and activities from the educators who will use it to improve future editions.
We also encourage educators to take pictures of students as they complete the activities and share them with the Sustainable Development Department, who welcome any chance to celebrate Bermuda’s youth as they develop their understanding of sustainability.
It is our belief that if we embed the principles of sustainable development into our youth from an early age we will soon create a society which understand the intrinsic linkages between our economic, our social and our environmental objectives and hopefully make wise decisions based on that understanding.
We hope to encourage students to promote change through action in our community and to influence others to do the same.
I would now like to thank the three summer interns who edited and completed the guide throughout their tenure as interns at the Cabinet Office in 2007….
They are: Ms. Zahra Aubrey; Ms. Chloé Ball; and Mr. Alexander (Alex) Dillas.
I am confident that their contributions as “young” Bermudians will help ensure that the document has “youth” appeal. Without their assistance this Resource Guide would not have been possible.
I would also like to thank Ms Leila Wadson, a former Sustainable Development Project Team member, for developing the concept of a Resource Guide in the first place and undertaking the initial research; Mrs. Rhonda Woods-Smith, a Sustainable Development Department secondee, for facilitating and managing this project; and Mr. Jamie McDowell, a Graphic Designer at the Department of Communication and Information, for his artistic prowess highlighted in the design of the document.
As you can see this resource guide is a representation of a collective group effort with various government departments, nongovernmental organizations, interested organizations and individuals all working together to create a document that will assist in bringing about societal change to improve our island home.
The guide will be available for download from either the Government website or at www.sdbermuda.bm
And now it is with great pride for my conscientious team at the Sustainable Development Department that I now present this guide to the Minister of Education, the Hon, Dame Jennifer Smith, JP, DHumL, MP…
The Education Minister’s full remarks appear below:
Good afternoon,
Let me begin by thanking Minister Roban and his Department for this generous contribution to the teaching and learning that goes on in schools and in homes across the Island.
This book – Sustaining Bermuda: A Resource Guide on Sustainable Development Issues for Educators, Teachers and Parents, will give our students a wonderful blueprint, that is comprehensive, yet fun and interactive at the same time.
It infuses drama, art, poetry, dance and storytelling and helps students to reflect on real life and concrete examples related to our built environment and Bermuda’s economy.
I note that many of the exercises require sharing and teamwork. This is a good thing! This resource guide will augment the work of both educators and parents in raising thoughtful and reflective citizens who will make a difference in Bermuda and wherever they go.
I agree with Minister Roban’s statement that: “if our youth are to take an active role in preserving and sustaining our environment, then they need to be exposed to the proper tools in a structured setting”.
I am pleased that special attention has been paid to ensuring that our teachers, students and parents are fully equipped with the knowledge they need in order to make a difference in their own circles.
Through the sustainable development initiative, Government has taken a leading role in ensuring that all residents have a fundamental awareness about the importance of Sustainable Development and with the presentation of this guide, you have taken the education process further – to the next generation..
Minister Roban, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, I am delighted to receive this research guide on behalf of teachers and parents. I can assure you that it will be used for many years to come.
Thank you.
Read More About
Category: All, Environment
