Queen’s College Team Triumphs in Young Environmental Scientists Competition
A team of innovative students from Queen’s College, Guyana, has clinched the top prize in the 2024-25 Young Environmental Scientists (YES) Competition. They achieved first place in the Secondary Category with their groundbreaking project focused on sustainable urban development. The YES Competition, organized by Macmillan Education Caribbean, aims to inspire youth across the region to devise practical solutions to pressing environmental issues, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
This year’s competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from students in Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica, all presenting novel ideas aimed at fostering a greener future. The Queen’s College team, known as the Environmental Guardians, received accolades for their innovative lampshade model, which is designed to illuminate roadways while reducing light pollution that adversely affects bats and local ecosystems. Their project was particularly noted for its potential to contribute to environmentally friendly urban planning while tackling significant ecological challenges.
In addition to the winners from Queen’s College, TML Super Planters from TML Primary School in Trinidad & Tobago secured the top position in the Primary Category with their self-watering planter crafted from repurposed materials. Furthermore, Ravens Builders from St. Jago High School in Jamaica earned second place in the Secondary Category with their project investigating the conversion of recycled CDs and DVDs into solar energy.
Dr. Aldrin E. Sweeney, a competition judge from Barbados, commended the students’ creativity, stating, “I was truly impressed with the ingenuity and creativity displayed in many of these projects. Several have the potential to be developed into prototypes for serious consideration by various Caribbean nations.”
Now in its second year, the YES Competition is dedicated to nurturing a culture of innovation and environmental awareness among Caribbean youth. Following the high standards set by last year’s winners from Trinidad & Tobago, this year’s submissions have further highlighted the region’s capacity for youth-led environmental initiatives.
Macmillan Education Caribbean will soon unveil a video showcase featuring highlights from the competition, including footage of the winning projects. The successful teams will also receive educational resources for their schools and participate in an interactive sustainability workshop to deepen their understanding and commitment to environmental conservation.
