Written by Yanson Hilaire
Roseau, Dominica - It is often said that children are the future of the world, and this is difficult to deny. In an age when the climate crisis has become a household acknowledgement, now more than ever it is crucial to engage the youth in eco-conscious habits and knowledge to impact their future in a meaningful way. In support of this goal, Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), in collaboration with the Ashley Lashley Foundation, is pleased to announce the launch of the Eco-Fit Youth Program in Dominica.
The program aims to make significant impacts in the lives of local youth aged 4-11 years old and educate children on sustainable practices while fostering a sense of responsibility toward their environment. Through engaging activities, workshops, and discussions, the Eco-Fit Youth Program will empower children to make informed choices that promote both personal health and environmental sustainability. Project CETI began the program at St. Luke’s Primary School on October 8, 2024 and plans to present the Eco-Fit Youth Program at various other primary schools in Dominica.
The Eco-Fit Youth Program incorporates physical activities that promote overall well-being and encourages students to embrace an active lifestyle while learning about their environment. Students will also explore critical themes such as the impact of climate change, the importance of biodiversity and ocean conservation and practical actions they can take to live more sustainably. The program is facilitated by Project CETI’s Dominica Marine Conservation Fellows and Fellow alumni, a fitness trainer as well as locally appointed HEY Campaign Ambassadors. These facilitators ensure that the curriculum is interactive and engaging, making the learning process enjoyable for the children.
Environmental education plays a crucial role in preparing our youth to face the challenges posed by climate change. By instilling knowledge about sustainable practices, the Eco-Fit Youth Program aims to empower children to become advocates for their environment. This includes understanding the significance of the 5Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose and refuse—and encouraging them to adopt these practices in their daily lives.
The Ashley Lashley Foundation previously introduced the Eco-Fit Youth Program in Barbados where it successfully educated thousands of children about healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship, demonstrating its potential to inspire the next generation. Over a three-month period, more than 6,000 students engaged in thematic discussions that linked health and environmental awareness, culminating in a grand finale that showcased their learnings. By expanding the Eco-Fit Youth Program to Dominica and other islands, the Foundation aims to inspire children throughout the Caribbean to value both their health and their environment. The interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on the planet cannot be overstated. As we cultivate these ideals from a young age, we can nurture generations that prioritize sustainability and community well-being.
Focusing on healthy and environmentally friendly practices while incorporating physical activity, together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for our children and the world they will inherit.
The Eco-Fit Program is made possible through support from the Ashley Lashley Foundation and its funders, Clara Lionel Foundation and UNICEF.
About Project CETI
Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) is a nonprofit organization registered in Dominica and the United States applying advanced machine learning and state-of-the-art robotics to listen to and translate the communication of sperm whales in the Eastern Caribbean off the coast of the island of Dominica. Its science team comprises leading artificial intelligence, natural language processing and complex systems experts, cryptographers, linguists, marine biologists, roboticists, engineers, and underwater acousticians in partnership between over 12 academic institutions and companies across six countries. In Dominica, CETI conducts various community programs and partnerships such as its Dominica Marine Conservation Fellowship, a 10-month multi-module training program for young Dominicans interested in marine science, that was developed in partnership with the National Geographic Society.
About The Ashley Lashley Foundation
The Ashley Lashley Foundation believes that empowering youth is essential to building a better future and its mission is to create a world where gender doesn't limit opportunity or potential, and where everyone is valued for who they are.. The Foundation provides mentorship programs, career development opportunities, and scholarships for young people to reach their full potential and the Foundation’s vision is to create a world where all young people have access to the resources they need to achieve their dreams. We proudly support initiatives that promote gender equality in all spheres of life, and advocate for the recognition and rights of women and other marginalized groups.
For media inquiries please contact CETI communications lead Nicole Loher at ceti@mcpstrategies.com.