Win for environment at SATIIM school fair

As a part of its Environmental Education Program, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) held its third Environmental School Fair on April 8, 2011, in Conejo Village, Toledo District. Local schools from across the district took part, giving pupils the opportunity to learn about the environmental issues affecting their lives.

A child from Conejo enjoys ones of the displays

Students were tasked with finding innovative ways to protect the environment around the theme of “Community Based Natural Resource Management”. Teams from each school worked together to create an interactive  display and to give a presentation.  From songs to dances to poetry, the performances were diverse and imaginative. Though it was San Felipe Government School that most impressed the judges and they took first prize.

The upper division students of the Primary Schools from the villages of Barranco, Conejo, Crique Sarco, Midway, Santa Anna and San Felipe all participated in the fair.  Taking first place San Felipe received $1000. In second place, Santa Anna were given $600 and Midway, who were placed third received $400. All three winning schools were given a plaque to commemorate their success.

The team from San Felipe make the judges smile

All day the sun shone as students took the opportunity to look and learn from each other’s displays. Every school made a gallant effort, with posters, 3D models and artifacts all being used to raise awareness on environmental issues. Meanwhile, judges Glenford Parham from the Toledo Education Department, Christine Valerio from Protected Areas Conservation Trust and Julio Chub from the Ya’axche Conservation Trust closely looked at each school’s entrant and asked the children questions on their displays. 


Judge Glenford Rarhum said: “The science fair is important as it creates an awareness in children of taking care of the environment and how the environment affects their daily lives. San Felipe won first prize as they were well organised and very knowledgeable on everything they had displayed.”

Teacher Miss Finela Wagner, from winning school San Felipe said: “We are so pleased to win as the children worked very hard. It is the first time we have ever won anything, so I am so proud to be bringing this prize back to the school.”

In the words of students from San Felipe school: “Thank you SATIIM”.

Students from Santa Anna give their presentation