Initial Cohort of Students in Port Antonio Completes J.A.M.I.N. Program
I am happy to announce that we are graduating our first group of J.A.M.I.N. students in Port Antonio, Jamaica! It’s hard to believe that it has been three years since I first starting planning the program with our partners at Alligator Head Foundation (AHF). As the saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” These past two years have given me countless wonderful memories while working with my partners at AHF. Sometimes it feels like they have been with us since the program’s inception. It is incredible what two like-minded organizations can accomplish when they work together. Thank you to all of the staff at Alligator Head Foundation for your tremendous work ethic and determination throughout the program. Special thanks to Denise Henry, who led the program for AHF. I couldn’t have done it without you. The Living Oceans Foundation looks forward to partnering with AHF in the years to come.
Thank you to Ms. Carol Heslop, Dr. Calene Shirley, and Mrs. Kadian Thomas, our teachers at Port Antonio and Titchfield High Schools. You played an instrumental role in the success of the J.A.M.I.N. program. Your excitement and enthusiasm for the program transferred to your students, as they were encouraged to learn about the importance of mangroves while nurturing their inner scientist. Your dedication and passion for teaching is a gift to all of your students.
We would like to thank Mr. Al Merritt, co-founder of Portland Arts & Vocational Education (PAVE), for his gracious contribution that allowed us to implement the J.A.M.I.N. program in Port Antonio. Your support for educational endeavors has provided many opportunities to those in the Portland area. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for giving the gift of knowledge to so many people.
Finally, congratulations to all of our J.A.M.I.N. graduates for your hard work and perseverance during the past two years of the program. Your stewardship of the mangrove environment has been an inspiration to us. I wish all of you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Remember that your J.A.M.I.N. journey does not end here. You are the future of Jamaica. Please continue to promote and educate about the importance of conserving the environment in your beautiful country. Because the decisions that you make impact not only the environment but may also influence the actions of other people. Each and every one of you can be a positive force for change.
Together, we J.A.M.I.N.!
