J.A.M.I.N. Student Voices

August 2, 2018

Written by Amy Heemsoth

Previously, you heard the voice of the students in our B.A.M. program. Now it’s time to hear how the students in Jamaica feel about our J.A.M.I.N. program.

Year 1 Program

“My favorite part of the J.A.M.I.N. program is when I actually got to visit the site where some of Jamaica’s beautiful mangroves are. I believe seeing them in person helped me to learn a lot.” – Daniesia Eccleston, William Knibb High School

“I’d like to say how grateful I am to be in this program. I am not longer ignorant about mangroves. I know their purpose, importance, and how lucky I am to have them. Without this project, I wouldn’t even know what these trees are nor, would I care for them.” – Jada Jackson, William Knibb High School

“This program has made me realize how my behavior affects mangroves.” – Rae-Anna Orie, William Knibb High School

“I learned that mangroves are being harmed every day and we are responsible for this. We must take care of them and preserve the for future generations.” – Owen Robinson, William Knibb High School

Year 2 Program

“This program is great! It allows us to feel like scientists doing our own experiments.” – Renaldo Campbell, William Knibb High School

“I really hope that you all continue on with this project because it is very important for us to know about our mangroves and to know that they are important to us and our country.” – Trisha Beckford, William Knibb High School

“Thank you for coming to William Knibb Memorial High School and giving us this wonderful experience. I didn’t know about mangroves until you and now I appreciate them, and I’ll continue to share this information with my family members.” – Shadena Francis, William Knibb High School

“I think that the J.A.M.I.N. program is very educational. It teachers not only about mangroves, but it also gives us a feeling of wanting to care more for the environment.” – Joby-Kay Evans, William Knibb 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…

Year 1 Program

Year 2 Program

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.