A BGIS NEWS FEATURE
Approximately 200 children attended the recently held Energy Science Camp, with several of them giving it their nod of approval and describing it as “very informative”.
One such camper was 15-year-old Najarrie Coppin-Williams, who pointed out that he had learned a lot during the week and thoroughly enjoyed it. He even indicated that his choice of career has now shifted to one in the energy industry.
“The camp was enjoyable and we learnt about oil and gas, energy and wind turbines, among other areas. Previously, I was hoping to get my truck licence…, but now that I have attended this camp, I am hoping to work with oil and gases,” Najarrie told the Barbados Government Information Service.
His peer, Rickala Yearwood-King, described the camp as “educational”. She said she greatly enjoyed everything about it and proffered the view that it should be held yearly, so more children could be involved.
The two-week camp was hosted by the Division of Energy in the Ministry of Energy and Business, in partnership with the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST), and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment’s National Summer Camp Programme.
It was integrated into the MIST Science Camp from August 12 to 16, at The St. Michael School, and replicated at Hilda Skeene Primary School from August 19 to 23.
Speaking after a recent presentation to the children at Hilda Skeene, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Business, Keisha Reid, stressed the importance of the camps, saying they allowed the children to learn about the traditional and new sources of energy.
Ms. Reid continued: “The camps were very interesting and the children were excited to participate in them. They were given the opportunity to conduct experiments and be a part of the hands-on activities.
“We have been able to spark something new and innovative in these children and some have even expressed interest in working in the energy sector. The Ministry of Energy and Business is keen to build on their eagerness and expose more children to the opportunities in the energy sector.”
During the camp, the children learnt about oil and gas, biofuels, wind energy, solar energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency, among other areas. They also engaged in various challenges, toured the Pavana Wind Farm in St. John and the Barbados National Oil Company Limited, in St. Philip.
Camp Director, Aaliyah Ollivierre, said the children were involved in various activities during the five weeks, however the energy instruction during the final week was a step from what they were accustomed to learning.
“It was something different and it changed their viewpoint. I had children going home telling their parents that they have to get solar panels for the house; and parents were actually surprised at the knowledge the children had gained during the week,” Ms. Ollivierre stated.
She added that she would like to see energy integrated in other camps, as hers was the only Division of Youth camp that benefitted from such knowledge. “I believe that exposure to energy should be expanded to more camps and other partners should come on board. This area can benefit students as they will be able to learn about the available job opportunities in the sector,” she pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Energy Champion winners of the National Summer Camp Programme at Hilda Skeene Primary were: Kamaria Perry in the four to six-year-old category; Chamani Stowe in the seven to nine-year-old category; Rochel Cain in the 10 to 12-year-old category; and Rickala Yearwood-Kingin the13 to 15-year-old category.
The winners from the MIST camp in the Solar Design Challenge were: Joseph Marshall (1st prize); Kendra Welcome (2nd prize); and Phoenix Waldron (3rd prize).
First prize winners for both camps won laptop bundles, while the other winners received cell phones and tablets.
Facilitators from Robot Adventures and Relay Education assisted the Ministry’s team during the camps, while Blue Circle Energy; the Barbados National Oil Company Limited; and the National Petroleum Corporation sponsored them.