Angela Kelly- Woodcock Primary, Nassau: “Words cannot express what this week has meant to me. The knowledge I have acquired, the skills I have gleaned and the experiences have been extraordinary. I have become energized, rejuvenated and enlightened about the Bahamian reefs, wetlands and coastal areas and our National Parks. I can assure you, that through what I have achieved, I am now prepared to present this information to our Bahamian children in more innovative ways, and teach them to be good stewards of their natural environment.”
Melanie Johnson, St. John’s College, Nassau: “The experience I received was more than wonderful. Words cannot describe the impact just one week has had on my life and outlook. Not only have I become more comfortable in the water, I have a new found appreciation for my environment and my beautiful breath-taking country. Subsequently this week has shown me why it is necessary for all of us to protect and conserve our various ecosystems. Not for ourselves, but for future generations. As a teacher, I am dedicated to the development of my country through the education of the Bahamian children. The workshop fulfilled all my expectations and more. The facilitators were wonderful and knowledgeable. The provided a wealth of information for many of us teachers. Through my learning, I have the opportunity to teach and inform my students about the Bahamian ecosystems. The students can then take this information and inform their parents. Hopefully this will spark an interest in the community at large.”
Yvonne Anderson, Sunland Baptist, Grand Bahama: “This week I was taught about Bahamian organisms. I grew to understand the need for conserving habitats as well as the various life forms. At times I was angry as I heard how we had mismanaged our natural resources but then I became excited and hopeful as I saw that I could become involved in the restorative process.”
Deborah Thompson, CC Sweeting Junior, Nassau: “BREEF 9 was both educational and fun. The information and activities were excellently presented and conducted and the benefits were both professional and personal. As I left the workshop I felt energized and passion-filled to do whatever I can to assist in the marine conservation efforts.”
Regina Knowles, Pre-service Primary Teacher, College of The Bahamas: “You have helped to make possible priceless moments and experiences in the lives of the teachers present, and have created within me, a commitment to expose the students entrusted into my care with experiences like these. I am a testimony that donations to organizations like BREEF are indeed worth it. I thank you again, and ask for your continued support so that others may share this experience.”
Melanie Seymour, Old Bight High, Cat Island: “As and educator, I am now cognizant of my environment and the various ecosystems that help to balance or equalize planet Earth. I normally view myself as a patriotic Bahamian but while attending the BREEF workshop I was made ashamedly aware that patriotism is not confined to national symbols or Junkanoo, but first to the many habitats that are overlooked in this land I call “home”.”
Keniqua Knowles, Pre-service Secondary Teacher, College of The Bahamas: “Undoubtedly, I have developed an unraveling desire to advocate against [unsustainable] coastal development and so many other current important issues in The Bahamas that will eventually contribute to an unsustainable marine environment, and have a negative ripple effect on our social and economic status. I can’t wait to empower my students with knowledge that is truly the only tool that will end continued depletion of precious resources like the Nassau Grouper, the Queen Conch and the Spiny Lobster. This workshop has inspired me to become more actively involved in my community about Marine Protected Areas and Environmental Laws. Workshops like this should continue as long as mankind exists.”
Garth Denton, Acklins High School, Acklins: “I must admit that it was a wondrous learning experience for me; I made so many new discoveries. However it made me scared. Scared, because as a teacher, I was so unaware of the things that threaten the very existence of this Bahamas. If I was so unaware, what about the common man who has no training? Conservation is the business of everyone but it is only when one is aware of these issues and threats that he will see the need to conserve. Over the past week, I learned about the existing coastal ecosystems, their functions and the threats to their survival. I now realize that many “harmless’ actions of ours are potential catastrophe for the coral reef and wetland areas. These form our first line of defense against storms as well as nursery grounds for endless numbers of marine species; Nassau grouper, crawfish, and conch, just to name a few. I am now equipped with a host of skills, knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to make a change. I am ready to share my experiences with my students, colleagues, friends and islanders at large.”