2023-2024 B.A.M. Student Voices

July 16, 2024

Written by Amy Heemsoth

Throughout the B.A.M. and J.A.M.I.N. programs, we evaluate each program by surveying students in each of the three phases of the mangrove education and restoration process. We use this information to gauge how much information the students initially know regarding mangroves and their attitudes toward them before we begin the programs. After we start the programs, we continue to survey the students. This data helps us to determine whether our education programs are effective and whether we know our audience. It also allows us to measure how much knowledge is retained and whether their attitudes and actions about mangroves change as they continue through the program.

During the final survey, we ask the students for their input about the program. We want to know things such as: How we can improve the program, What was their favorite part of the program, and What did they learn from participating in the program?

One of my favorite things after the programs have ended is reading the students’ written responses. Below you will find select responses to the final survey. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

“I liked visiting the mangroves and being able to see what I was looking at in person. Physically interacting with the environment is more fun and engaging!”

– Kailey Sweeting,
Forest Heights Academy

“I learned many new things about the mangroves during this project, and they are very important in protecting our coastlines.”

– Meggan Francois,
Forest Heights Academy

“B.A.M.’s interaction with our class is very educational. It is a very fun experience!”

– Johnathon Black,
Forest Heights Academy

“I learned that you have to protect mangroves for future generations.”

– Rudolph Burrows,
Patrick J. Bethel High School

“My favorite part of the project was watching my mangroves grow and blossom with leaves. Mangroves go through a longer growth process than I thought. I also like visiting the mangroves.”

– Tyquanya Albury,
Patrick J. Bethel High School

“I was surprised that different substrates really do impact mangrove propagule growth.”

– Luciano Neely,
Patrick J. Bethel High School

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment for J.A.M.I.N.

There are certain faces you never forget.

Over the years, hundreds of students have stepped into mangrove forests with us through the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program. I may not always remember every name, but I remember the expressions — the hesitation before stepping into thick mud, the laughter when someone loses a shoe, the look of surprise when they catch that unmistakable sulfur smell rising from the mangrove soil…

Related Posts

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment for J.A.M.I.N.