NEPA rolls out new education tools at student workshop

More than 80 students and teachers from six high schools across Portland and St Thomas recently participated in a National Schools Environment Club Programme (NSECP) capacity-building workshop hosted by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) at Titchfield High School. A major feature of the event was the rollout of NEPA’s new suite of digital environmental education tools, including interactive games designed to make climate and conservation learning more engaging for young people.

Held under the theme “Climate Ready: Empowering Youth for a Resilient Future,” the workshop brought together environmental club members for a day of learning, collaboration, and friendly competition aimed at strengthening youth leadership in climate action and environmental stewardship.

The workshop forms part of NEPA’s 2025/2026 NSECP capacity-building initiative for Region Two, which covers schools in Portland and St Thomas. Participating institutions included Titchfield High, Fair Prospect High, Seaforth High, Happy Grove High, St Thomas Technical High, and Port Antonio High.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda underscored the importance of preparing Jamaica’s youth to respond to the realities of climate change, particularly as the island remains vulnerable to stronger storms and other climate-related impacts.

“The environmental challenges we face globally can be understood through what scientists call the triple planetary crisis: biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. If we are to protect our planet, we must first understand these issues and recognise that our daily choices, particularly what we consume, play a major role in shaping the health of our environment. Young Jamaicans have an important role to play in helping us correct the actions that created this crisis and in ensuring we leave a better planet for future generations,” said Samuda.

NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION

NEPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Leonard Francis, noted that initiatives such as the NSECP play a critical role in nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. He also announced that the agency will soon introduce a “Junior CEO for a Day” programme, giving students the opportunity to experience a day at NEPA, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into how environmental policy and governance operate in Jamaica.

The newly launched digital environmental games were among the workshop’s most anticipated features. Now available nationwide on NEPA’s website, the interactive tools are designed to transform environmental learning through play.

Micholyn Hurd, coordinator of the National Schools Environment Club Programme, explained that the initiative forms part of NEPA’s digital approach to environmental education. “Environmental education doesn’t have to be boring. It can be interactive, competitive, and fun. These games allow students to test their knowledge of climate change, recycling and conservation while learning how their everyday choices can help protect Jamaica’s environment,” she said.

The games – NEPA Eco Quest: Climate Change Trivia, Recycle Rush, Reef Saver, Conservation Hike, and Trash or Treasure – challenge students to apply environmental knowledge through interactive scenarios involving waste management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable decision making.

The workshop also featured a climate-action team game and an individual leadership challenge in which students presented their visions for climate leadership within their schools and communities. Winners received cash prizes and scholarships, including awards provided by Claribel College and Wisynco Limited.

Reinforcing its commitment to youth development and education, Island Car Rentals not only sponsored the event but also presented a $1 million donation to support Titchfield High School’s Challenge Quiz and Champs programmes. Other sponsors included GraceKennedy, the Forestry Department, Juici Patties, and Rainforest Seafoods.