The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) not only teaches students about the environment, but also provides them with opportunities to develop skills that will assist them with future career choices as well as see amazing sights of the environment, including the underwater environment. Recently 15 students from the BNT's Navigators program from St. John's High School, Nassau Christian Academy and Central Andros High School successfully completed their PADI SCUBA Open Water Diver course earlier this month.
The Navigators program is the third level of Discovery Club. This level is partially sponsored by the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation and is more research-based, targeting young people in high school and college. Activities at this level are designed to equip the participants with knowledge and skills that will prepare them for college-level studies in environmental science or eco-tourism-based activities.
"Participants in the Navigators program are embracing an awesome opportunity that will not only assist them in their biology and social studies courses, but give them marketable skills to acquire jobs," said Portia Sweeting, BNT education director. "We are grateful to our partner, the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, for their continued support of the Navigator program."
The recent SCUBA certification was sponsored by Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas, Forfar Field Station and Kamalame Cay resort. Kamalame Cay resort owner Brian Hew offered the full use of his facilities, equipment and dive instructors to train the students. Swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving are all necessary skills required for a career in marine science, and the BNT is hopeful that, even if the students decide on alternative careers, they can use these skills to assist the BNT in the monitoring of marine parks.
"The Bahamas National Trust, through its Discovery Club program, is playing a critical role in developing the next generation of marine scientists in The Bahamas" said Debra Erickson, executive director of the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. "Through their training, even those students who don't enter the field of science will become important community advocates for our ocean."
The Navigators program is just one of the many ways that the trust is conserving and protecting the natural resources of The Bahamas, through stewardship and education for present and future generations throughout the country. To learn more about the Navigators program, visit the BNT's website or Facebook page and become a member by supporting the trust.
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