ECHO takes environmental awareness to Region 10

Nov 22, 2010 News

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With the main objective of providing a forum for youths to take leadership on issues affecting the integrity of their natural environment, the Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO) on Friday expanded its ECHO Clubs to Schools in Region 10. A new initiative dubbed the ‘Green Ambassadors Programme’ was also introduced to secondary schools within the Region when a grand ceremony was held at the Benjamin Convention Centre under the theme “I am powerful”.
And according to ECHO’s Communication Director, Shelon Simon, over 150 students and teachers attended the event.  Among the schools inducted into the ECHO driven programmes were the: Linden Foundation Secondary, the Harmony Secondary, Christiansburg Wismar Secondary, Mackenzie High School, New Silver- City Secondary, Mackenzie Primary, Anarika Primary, Amelia Ward Primary, Malali Primary, Aroaima Primary, Rockstone Primary, Ituni Primary, Barmia Primary, Kwakwani Primary and the One Mile Primary.
The event was attended by Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council, Mr. Mortimer Mingo, who noted that the Regional Democratic Council considered the proposal for the execution of this programme in the Region at its statutory sitting of Council in October. The council, he said, had unanimously endorsed and supported the proposed undertaking. This was especially so since according to him, “we hold the concerns and objective of this programme as very important for the development of our Region. It goes without saying that the health and well-being of our constituents is of primary importance to us as elected representatives to the people of this Region, and so organisations dedicated to the preservation and improvement of our environment and health will always enjoy the unstinting support of our Council,” Mingo noted.
But according to him, invariably ECHO clubs will be faced with some resistance to change in terms of attitudes to the environment even as he asserted that “I am convinced that all categories of our residents bear the responsibility for the current state of our surroundings which, more than likely, is the cause for the desire to take action in terms of forming these environmental clubs.” And while the task may seem to be a great one, he assured that protecting the environment is no doubt should be a collaborative effort.
The RDC, he said, stands ready to work with ECHO as measures are put in place to protect the environment through paying keen attention to core issues such as waste disposal, littering and conservation of natural resources such as water.
In endorsing the programme, Mingo extended a challenge to residents of Region 10 to embrace a renewed commitment to make a positive impact on the environment by taking personal responsibility for the state of the environment and the use of natural resources.
“Indeed, the theme chosen for this initiative speaks of the great individual impact we all have.  Recognising this, I would like to posit that the little things count, and so the act of disposing of your litter appropriately, using tap water sparingly and setting personal example of environmental concern all add up to tremendous collective benefits for our environment.”

Chairman of the Linden Municipality, Mr. Orin Gordon, said that he was ready to render any assistance to ECHO and requested that more schools and institutions be added to the project. He said that it was important that the children and the young people begin to play their part in keeping the environment clean and help the council provide for a safe and healthy environment.  According to ECHO’s Executive Director of ECHO, Royston King, the participating schools would be used as a pilot for six months after which an evaluation will be done to see if the project can be implemented in its present format in other schools. He emphasised the need for good environmental stewardship to reverse the effects of climate change.  King added that the organisation is working to establish a strong network of people to elevate the environmental consciousness of all, to encourage good environmental stewardship including the prudent, sensible and sustainable use of natural resources.
Several coaches/teachers from echo-clubs in Georgetown and Region Three also attended and engaged the children in different activities. At the moment, echo has over 40 clubs in schools. The organisation is currently gaining support from a number of entities including the Ministry of Education, PAHO/WHO, John Fernandes, Impressions, R&R International, Health Sector Development Unit, Ministry of Health, Cara Lodge, Ali Supermarket of the Bourda Market, Churches Chicken, and Humphrey’s Bakery.

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