Eight Prep and Primary Schools receive awards for outstanding environmental work

Eight preparatory and primary schools from across the island were last week awarded for outstanding environmental work, through the Jamaica Environment Trust's School's Environment Programme (SEP).

Thirty-three schools from across the island participated in the SEP for the 2015/2016 academic year. SEP guided students and teachers all the way through the on campus-based activities that were undertaken by each schools' environmental clubs.

Overall champion for 2016 is Maryland All Age School from the parish of Hanover. Second place was awarded to Mar Jam Prep and third place to Vista Prep. Mar Jam and Vista are both located in St Ann.

Each school was assessed on the four SEP thematic areas: greening, solid waste management, environmental research and the overall strength of their environmental club.

JET's Deputy CEO, Suzanne Stanley said she was proud that something as important as protecting the environment involved the younger generation.

"SEP is the longest running education initiative of its kind in the island and we are very proud of its 19-year history and JET's 25th anniversary which we also celebrate this year. SEP is one of the projects we are most proud of at JET. It has stood the test of time, continuing despite numerous challenges and (it) impacts thousands of students and teachers every year," she said.