Students at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School (pictured) and others in the Virgin Islands returned to safer and more resilient schools this term as part of the SMART Schools programme. Photo: ETPS

The BVI Smart Schools Project managed by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Green VI, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and BVI Red Cross, seeks to enhance resilience and sustainability of schools throughout the Territory. Photo: DDM

The project managed by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Green VI, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and BVI Red Cross, seeks to enhance resilience and sustainability of schools throughout the Territory.

EU funded

According to a DDM press release, the current iteration of the BVI SMART Schools Project is funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme.

The project aims to expand on the SMART Schools mission maximizing climate and disaster resilience in educational institutions by adding key partner agencies. With upgraded infrastructure, improved safety standards, and integrated green practices, the project ensures that schools are better equipped to protect students and withstand the impacts of climate change.

SMART Schools Project Manager Michel Ambrose said, “With this project and thanks to the work of our partners, the mission is to support the schools so that they can safeguard our students, but also empower them with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an ever-changing world. The upgrades implemented are a critical step toward achieving that goal.”

Schools underwent extensive assessments & improvements

Schools presently participating in the SMART Schools initiative are Alexandrina Maduro Primary, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Primary and Secondary Division, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ebenezer Thomas Primary, Enis Adams Primary, Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary, Elmore Stoutt High, Francis Lettsome Primary, Ivan Dawson Primary, Joyce Samuel Primary, Leonora Delville Primary, Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary and Willard Wheatley Primary schools.

These schools underwent extensive assessments and improvements to meet rigorous international safety standards managed by the DDM.

Enhancements include structural upgrades, energy and water conservation measures, and the establishment of sustainable practices such as school gardens, recycling and waste reduction. Schools that meet these safety standards are certified as Safe, with those incorporating additional green practices being designated as SMART.