History of Youth Environment Ambassador Program

Youth Environmental Ambassador (“YEA”) was initiated in 2013 under the direction of STB Chairman Joseph Darville. He believes that by focusing on our youth, providing knowledge and information to make them aware of environmental issues and sustainability options, they can become ambassadors to help in the fight to protect, preserve and lead our beautiful Bahamaland.

 

YEA Process Selection

Student selection is undertaken by the principals and/or guidance counselors of both public and private junior high schools. To be chosen, students must demonstate a special interest in science, environmental careers, outdoor activities and programs, and above all, posses compassion for the environment. Once selected, students are welcomed into the program by trained facilitators who will guide them over the course of five months, from January to May.

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Who Can Apply?

This program is for junior high school students enrolled in grades 7 to 9 on Grand Bahama Island.

 

What Are The Benefits of Joining “YEA?”

Through the Youth Environmental Ambassador program, students develop personal, professional and leadership skills that will prove invaluable for success in high school, college, in launching their career and throught their lives.  The program is designed to focus on: leadership, communication, community engagement and advocacy skills that cannot be learned in the classroom alone. 

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As ambassadors, students:

• Learn about local environmental issues 

• Develop leadership skills 

• Improve their public speaking abilities 

• Receive advocacy training 

• Earn community service hours 

• Develop their networking skills

 

Focus Areas

Focus areas covered during the five months include a variety of topics related to the Bahamian ecosystems. Youth Environmental Ambassadors learn about:

• Mangroves

• Coral reefs

• Black land coppice

• Blue holes

• Marine life

 

Each of these topics is explored through leadership and information sessions in the classroom, followed by activity sessions in the field. Toward the end of the program, YEAs have three weeks to prepare a presentation on a chosen topic before the pinning ceremony (marking completion of the YEA Program). They are guided by their facilitators in demonstrating what they have learned over the five months. 

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The leadership sessions includes:

• Our very own method called Direction Alignment and Commitment (DAC) model

• Values & action

• Social identity

• Mental models

• Growth and fixed mindset

• Presentation skills

 

Completion & Pinning Ceremony

t the end of the program, we hold a graduation  and pinning ceremony for the YEAs, confirming that they have met the requirements of being a Youth Environmental Ambassador. At this ceremony, the students also make presentations on their chosen topics in front of their parents, guardians, friends and other members of the community. 

 

Looking ahead to the 2026 YEA season, we are hoping to expand the program to include more students from as many schools as possible.  

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about YEA, or would like to find out how to support the program, please email us at savethebaysonline@gmail.com. 

 

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