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Peace Partners: A Student-Led Conflict Resolution Program

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Peace Partners: A Student-Led Conflict Resolution Program

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1. What aspect of the challenge are we transforming?

We want to transform how students communicate during conflicts by giving them structured, supportive tools to solve problems peacefully.

2. Who benefits?

Students gain better communication skills, feel safer, and build stronger friendships.

Teachers spend less time dealing with small quarrels.

The school community becomes calmer, more respectful, and more positive.

3. Concrete Actions We Can Take

Create a Peace Corner in each classroom where students can calmly talk out disagreements.

Train small groups of students as Peace Partners to help mediate small conflicts.

Use a 3-Step Conflict Resolution Guide:

Calm down

Speak and listen using “I feel…” statements

Agree on a solution

Hold monthly Restorative Circles to discuss common issues and build empathy.

Display posters with conflict-resolution phrases such as:
“I understand how you feel,”
“Let’s fix this together,”
“I didn’t like it when…”

4. Existing Resources to Support the Idea

Teachers to guide the Peace Partner groups

The school counselor to train students

Spaces like reading corners for calm discussions

Digital tools to make posters or short videos

Support from parents for role-playing at home

5. Expected Results

Short Term:

Fewer arguments during breaks/class time

Students begin using calm words to express feelings

Teachers notice better classroom climate

Long Term:

A school culture of respect, listening, and empathy

Students who can independently solve conflicts

Stronger relationships across the school

Wesley College, Grenada

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Proposal: “Clean Horizons – A School Waste Management Initiative”

What do we want to change?

We want to reduce litter at our school in Spanish Wells and create better habits for throwing trash away correctly and recycling.

What solutions have worked elsewhere?

* Recycling bins and color-coded waste stations

* Student eco-clubs

* Classroom clean-up competitions

* Community clean-ups and awareness posters

These show that education + student involvement make the biggest difference.

Who will benefit?

Students, teachers, the community, and the environment. A cleaner school means better health, less pollution, and more pride in our surroundings.

What concrete actions can we take?

* Create a student Eco-Team to lead campaigns

* Add color-coded bins around campus

* Monthly “Zero-Waste Day” to reduce single-use plastic

* Cleanest Class Competition with small prizes

* Awareness posters and announcements made by students

* Work with local groups and parents for materials and support

Resources we already have

* Students and teachers willing to help

* Community waste services

* School spaces for posters and events

* Local environmental groups and businesses

Expected results

Short term: Cleaner grounds, less litter, more student participation.

Long term: A culture of responsibility, better recycling, and reduced waste reaching the ocean.

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Community Plastic Recovery & Waterway Restoration Initiative (CPRWRI)

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Community Plastic Recovery & Waterway Restoration Initiative (CPRWRI)

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Submitted by: Kuvina Singh, Grade 11, The Bishops’ High School, Georgetown, Guyana

*Partnering Entities: NDC, Recover Guyana, Government of Guyana, Banks DIH, Clear Waters Factory

Introduction

My name is Kuvina Singh, a resident of my community for 16 years and a student at The Bishops’ High School. Over the years, I have observed increasing levels of plastic pollution due to deeply rooted community habits. Many residents routinely dispose of waste along waterways, which has led to clogged drains, disease spread, microplastic contamination, and waterborne illnesses. For example, a child in the community developed ringworm from contact with contaminated water, showing how urgent the issue is.

In Guyana and other communities worldwide, clean-ups and awareness campaigns have been attempted, but these efforts were *temporary*, lacked consistent monitoring, and did not include a structured recycling process. This proposal aims to transform this long-standing challenge by introducing a permanent, community-led plastic collection and recycling initiative.

Project Title

Community Plastic Recovery & Waterway Restoration Initiative (CPRWRI)

Project Goal

To reduce plastic pollution and rehabilitate waterways through a structured, community-supported recycling system that strengthens environmental responsibility and supports national waste-reduction goals.

This project aims to transform the specific challenge of *indiscriminate plastic disposal* into a *community-wide culture of accountability and recycling*.

Objectives

1. Establish monthly plastic collection at NDC-designated points.

2. Partner with Recover Guyana and the government to support recycling and monitoring.

3. Create agreements with companies like Banks DIH and Clear Waters to process accumulated plastics.

4. Clean waterways and maintain them through community clean-up cycles.

5. Require each household to submit plastic waste monthly, encouraging full community participation.

6. Offer incentives such as $100 for every 10 plastic bottles returned.

7. Pilot the project within the community and later submit results to the Ministry for consideration of nationwide expansion based on performance.

These objectives benefit residents, especially the working class, by reducing disease, improving water flow, and offering a small income return for bottles.

Project Components

Plastic Collection at the NDC

Bins will be set up at the NDC for PET bottles, plastic bags, and containers. Households will be required to submit their plastic waste monthly and sign off. This encourages proper waste disposal and gives a realistic method for tracking participation.

This action uses already available community spaces and existing NDC staff, ensuring practicality.

Partnership With Non-Profit & Industrial Organizations

*Recover Guyana* will assist with:

* educational programs

* sorting and data gathering

* training students to monitor plastic intake

*Banks DIH and Clear Waters Factory* can take accumulated plastics for cleaning, shredding, compacting, or exporting for recycling.

A second practical recycling method will also be used:

Community micro-recycling hubs can melt, mould, or shred plastics to create:

* garden pots

* eco-bricks

* tiles

* benches

This ensures recycling continues even before full industrial contracts are established.

This part of the proposal builds on existing recycling programs tried by NGOs but expands them by bringing in the private sector for long-term sustainability.

Waterway Clean-Up

Students, residents, and NDC workers will collaborate to remove waste from waterways. Mesh barriers will be installed to catch floating plastics. This action directly improves living conditions and reduces mosquito breeding.

This is practical because many communities in Guyana have already done similar clean-ups; our project builds on these past efforts but adds follow-up recycling and monitoring.

Household Participation & Accountability

Each household will bring their plastic waste to NDC bins every month. Participation will be recorded.

If a household does not participate, students and NDC representatives will visit to:

* provide guidance

* assess waste management habits

* offer support

This ensures community-wide involvement and helps shape new habits.

Incentive System

Residents will receive $100 for every 10 bottles returned.

This encourages participation and supports those who make an effort to recycle.

This incentive has been used successfully in other countries and fits well with Guyana’s growing interest in recycling programs.

Pilot Project Led by Students

A group of students will collect data, monitor participation, assess waterway improvement, and evaluate the overall feasibility.

This directly answers:

* *“What concrete actions can be carried out from your school?”*

→ Students will manage data, volunteer in clean-ups, and educate households.

* *“What resources already exist?”*

→ NDC spaces, Recover Guyana’s training, school volunteers, available plastic bins.

If results show *above 50% success*, a documentation package will be submitted to the Ministry for possible national implementation.

Expected Outcomes

Short-Term (0–6 months)

* Cleaner drains and waterways

* 40–60% household participation

* More responsible waste separation

* Student environmental leadership

* Measurable reductions in plastic pollution

These results are realistic because they build on simple actions that communities have already attempted.

Long-Term (6–18 months)

* Fully functioning recycling partnerships

* Less flooding due to clean drains

* Lower infection and health risks

* Creation of micro-recycling hubs

* Potential nationwide expansion if the Ministry approves

* Stronger community–government collaboration

These long-term results benefit the entire community: children, elderly residents, businesses, and the environment.

Conclusion

This proposal presents a realistic, community-driven solution to plastic pollution in Guyana. By combining student leadership, NDC participation, non-profit expertise, and industrial support, the project can significantly reduce pollution and set the foundation for a national recycling model.

The initiative uses available resources, builds on what has already been tried, and introduces new, sustainable methods that allow residents to benefit both financially and environmentally. With commitment and documented success, this project can grow from a community pilot to a nationwide, ministry-approved system.

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Hello, my name is Armarion Williams. I am 16 years old and I am a form 5 student attending the St. John's Christian Secondary School. My school is located in Brother's, St. John's Grenada. I am here to speak on the problem of children littering in school. Littering in school is a consistent thing that has been happening since I got to the school. Many efforts have been made to stop the littering but it still remains. There have been people coming to talk to us about garbage disposal, the effect it has on the land, the harms and it seems some students just don't care. They continue with their ways but it shouldn't be like this. They are to throw away there garbage in a garbage bin and try their best to keep the school and the community clean. It seems as though talking to the students and doing things in a peaceful manner is ineffective and punishments will need to be put in place to stop this kind of behavior. This is the only option I have come up with to combat the problem. It seems as though violence and punishment might just be the answer to all problems

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The Anglican High School, Tanteen, St. George, Grenada

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I would like to suggest a more rewarding system to help students build the habit of taking pride in their school community. While some students naturally avoid littering, others may need an incentive to change their behavior. For the first month, the school could host a challenge where the class that collects the most garbage earns a reward. Once that month ends, the program could continue throughout the school year, with rewards given quarterly to the class that remains the most productive in keeping the school clean.

This system gives students motivation, provides them with something to work toward, and encourages them to keep the habit going because it benefits them directly. To make the program run smoothly, two students could be put in charge of managing it. Having student leaders involved would help because students often respond better to peers than to administration, who they may feel are “lecturing” them without reason.

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Proposal: Reducing Substance Abuse Influenced by High Academic Pressure in Our Country's School Community

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Proposal: Reducing Substance Abuse Influenced by High Academic Pressure in Our Country's School Community

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The Challenge:
Many students in schools today face academic pressure that can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. Stress, the negative influence of peers, and lack of emotional support often contribute to this issue.

Queens College’s Success:
At Queen’s College, our student body has successfully abstained from such substance abuse, creating a positive model for other schools.

How We Avoid It:
We maintain a strong, healthy school environment through:

A wide range of extracurricular activities that give students productive outlets for stress.

Short Friday activities that build community, relieve academic pressure, and promote wellness.

Active student clubs that encourage teamwork, leadership, and meaningful engagement.

These initiatives keep students connected, supported, and focused, reducing the likelihood of unhealthy habits and fostering a culture of responsibility and well-being.

Solutions Already Tried Across Different Schools In Guyana & Resources Available

What solutions have already been tried in your community or other schools for a similar challenge?

Some schools have implemented awareness campaigns about drug and alcohol abuse.

Peer-led clubs or student support groups have been used in other communities to help counter peer pressure.

Occasional school assemblies or guest speakers discuss the dangers of substance use.

What people or resources can you turn to help you achieve this?

Teachers willing to supervise wellness or awareness clubs.

Local health professionals and social workers who can provide educational sessions.

Parents and PTAs who can support monitoring and awareness efforts.

The Proposal

1. What aspect of the challenge do you want to transform?
I want to transform the normalization of drug and alcohol use among students, which is heavily influenced by academic pressure, peer pressure, and limited emotional support systems within the school.

2. Who would benefit from this change and how?

Students: They gain emotional support, healthier coping strategies, and reduced exposure to negative peer influence.

Teachers and parents: They benefit from improved student behavior, performance, and communication.

The school community: A safer, healthier, and more productive learning environment is created.

3. What concrete actions can be carried out and how?

Create a Student Mental Health Program that provides weekly mental health activities such as the weekly short Friday activities that Queen's College hosts as a school.

Invite trained counselors or mental health professionals monthly to provide guidance sessions.

Launch a school-wide awareness campaign using posters, assemblies, and social media messages to counter drug-use normalization.

Introduce stress-relief activities such as after-school clubs, study groups, and physical recreation.

4. What resources, people, or spaces already exist that can support your idea?

The school auditorium or classrooms for workshops.

Teachers willing to supervise programs or coordinate interventions.

The school’s social media platforms for awareness campaigns.

Local organizations that run youth-outreach programs.

5. What results do you expect in the short and long term?
Short-term:

Greater student awareness forums further highlighting the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

A safer space for students to express emotional, or academic stress.

Reduced peer pressure influence due to stronger student support networks.

Long-term:

Decline in substance abuse among students.

Improved academic performance and mental well-being.

Stronger, healthier school culture where students seek positive help instead of unhealthy outlets.

How Will the Proposal be Presented

The proposal will be presented using a digital poster. The poster will highlight:

The issue (substance abuse and academic pressure)

Its causes

The proposed solution steps

Expected outcomes

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Just one example of a poster used to promote caring for one's peers & promoting inclusivity

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Inclusivity Combats Isolation: My Solution to the Influx of Gangs in The Bahamas

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Inclusivity Combats Isolation: My Solution to the Influx of Gangs in The Bahamas

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My name is Rayna Bain, and I am a 11th-grade student at Saint Augustine's College,  located in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Although we cannot prevent gangs from forming, nor can we instantly dissolve the ones already formed, we — as our country's future leaders and our peers' beacon of hope — must do our best to ensure that gangs are not seen as the only option of participation.

I propose that we introduce student-support groups in not just schools, but several Bahamian communities, in order to promote fellowship and combat isolation in young students.

Inclusivity Is Key

Students are more likely to join gangs in the pursuit of intimacy or fellowship, but this proves to be a negative way of coping.  I suggest that we introduce positive ways of peer-based social communities to offer a healthier alternative, such as:

Book Clubs

Study Groups + Student Tutors

Nature Walkers

Although many schools such as my own have attempted to facilitate communities, many fall short as the students have limited options, and feel obligated to join a club to graduate or because they are forced.

To mitigate this, clubs should be student-led:  students should be able to propose clubs to a teacher or administrator — whether based on their interests or hobbies — and find likeminded peers to associate with.  This way, fellowship can be healthily fostered through extracurricular activities.

Information & Education

Infographics, posters, and flyers can all grab the attention of teachers and students alike, and help to spread the information (and misinformation) about gangs.

Students should not ostracize others in the process of trying to include them.  Stigmas such as those in gangs only being impoverished or drug addicts are harmful generalizations of the many reasons why children join gangs, and should not be used as a catch-all to assume the situation of their peers.

Common misconceptions, ways to assist, and general knowledge can all be shared through these infographics as well as word-of-mouth.  Less emphasis should be put on "anti-gang" propaganda — instilling fear in the youth without actually addressing the issues — and more emphasis should go towards the disruptions of mental health, the effects of ostracization in school communities, and public resources for children to reach out to, should they feel the need.

Insignificance as a Myth

While broader can and will be made as a community, the role of the individual is equally as important.  Students should not be afraid to reach out to one another to share information or start clubs.  And, while guided by teachers in prior areas, students have a responsibility to be kind and caring to one another, no matter the gesture.

At my school, we have morning devotions every day, including a little motivational message at the end to encourage students.  Moderated boxes around campus holding anonymous "micro-motivations" submitted by students, can help to boost morale and give comfort to those afraid to speak up.  Furthermore, it will give students an opportunity to build a habit of building up others.

No matter how small the contribution, any effort to ensure that a peer does not feel alone helps immensely to build a stronger community.

What is most important of all, is the emphasis on inclusivity.  Having an amicable, warm culture between one's peers is not only the desired result for our Bahamian students, but should be the standard for students around the globe.

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An example of a motivational poster to encourage students to support one another & promote inclusivity

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The challenge I identified:

My name is Kezia Andrew, and I am a 15-year-old Fifth Form student at the Anglican High School in Tanteen Terrace, St. George. Even though my school is known as one of the best on the island for both academics and sports, there is a serious problem that is getting worse every day—the amount of violence among the students.

Proposal:

To lessen the amount of violence and confrontations had within the student community.

Some measures have already been put in place to lessen the violence, such as:

Installing a prefect body so that teachers do not have to do all the work.

Setting up punishments for students who dishonor the schools name.

However extra supervision and punishments may not be the best way to curb the amount of unnecessary violence.

I believe that these measures listed below may have a better chance of sucess.

Students should have a way to report bullying, threats, or growing conflicts privately. This allows the school to step in early and prevent situations from getting violent.

Instead of only focusing on punishment, the school can also reward students who show kindness, respect, and good behavior. Small rewards, recognition, or certificates can motivate others to behave better.

The school can host short workshops or sessions that teach students how to handle disagreements peacefully. Learning skills like communication, self-control, and problem-solving can help students avoid fights before they start.

These seemingly small yet effective measures can help to decrease the level of violence as well as promote healthy relationships between peers

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Solutions to Reduce Absenteeism (C.I. Gibson Sr. High, New Providence, Bahamas)

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Solutions to Reduce Absenteeism (C.I. Gibson Sr. High, New Providence, Bahamas)

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Absenteeism is affecting student performance, discipline, and the overall culture of C.I. Gibson Sr. High School. This proposal provides simple, realistic solutions to help reduce frequent absences.

What We Want to Improve

We aim to improve consistent student attendance by creating a school environment where showing up every day is supported, encouraged, and rewarded.

Who Benefits

Students: Better grades, stronger discipline, improved confidence.

Teachers: More effective teaching with fewer students falling behind.

The School: Higher success rates, better exam results, and a stronger school image.

Key Solutions

A. Awareness Campaign

Use posters, announcements, and social media messages to remind students why attendance matters.

B. Reward System

Give monthly certificates or small incentives to students with perfect or improved attendance.

C. Support for At‑Risk Students

Guidance counselors contact frequently absent students and families to offer help and find out what are their reason for being absent from school.

D. Parent Involvement

Send attendance updates home and involve parents in solving the issue.

E. Student Ambassadors

Choose student leaders to promote attendance and encourage their peers.

Resources Already Available

1). Guidance Department

2). Administration and teachers

PTA

3). School assemblies and social media platforms

Expected Results

Short-Term

More awareness

Improved attendance through rewards

Better communication among school, students, and parents

Long-Term

Lower absenteeism rates

Higher academic success

Stronger school pride and discipline

Conclusion

By combining awareness, support, and recognition, C.I. Gibson can successfully reduce absenteeism and help every Rattler reach their full potential.

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Challenge: The devastating atrophy of "the village" in all aspects of life. - Kylah Taylor

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Challenge: The devastating atrophy of "the village" in all aspects of life. - Kylah Taylor

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Hello, my name is Kylah Taylor. I am a student of Aquinas College in Nassau, Bahamas, and the challenge I am attempting to combat is the decline of the village and antisocialism.

Now, why does this matter? In short:

Loneliness is rising. Cliques divide us.

Most students suffer quietly instead of asking for help.

Gen Z is called the loneliest generation.

I want to change that — starting at Aquinas College.

My mission is to:

To restore genuine connection.

To build empathy.

To make support normal — not rare.

My realistic proposal for students, specifically include:

Village Days (monthly): bonding games, activities, team challenges

Mix-Up Lunch: sit with someone new — break cliques

Talk To Someone Week: daily social challenges

Support Circles: small group safe-space discussions

Gratitude / Story Wall: share wins, struggles & encouragement

Senior–Junior Mentorship: guidance, advice & friendship across grades

Who benefits from this?:

Students struggling silently

Shy or new students

Teachers & classroom dynamics improve

Future grades — this becomes tradition

Expected impact:

Short Term:
More talking. Less walls. Better vibes.

Long Term:
Stronger school culture

Real community
A lasting legacy — “the village” returns

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Challenge: Bullying, Temple Christian High School

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Challenge: Bullying, Temple Christian High School

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I am Delvon Barton and I believe that bullying plays a major role in the performance of students.

Proposal: I propose that schools provide counseling for students or even therapy. As teenagers we go through a lot. Bullying sometimes for people can be another stress added on to their life. Talking to trusted adults that make you feel comfortable is sometimes all you need.

Carrying it out:

Allow students to feel safe enough to report cases of bullying.

Allow disciplinary actions to be taken against the bully.

Talk to the students about how the condescending actions of the bully made them feel. Encourage them to rise above it and to lift their heads high.

Today all some persons may need is one positive or caring act towards them and that can make their day. As a victim of bullying I stand with the other victims and realize that we are heard better together. It is imperative that we express ourselves and allow ourselves to heal through the guidance of God. Psalm. 71:16 says “ I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.” Remember this scripture verse through those hard times give thanks no matter the situation because we all suffer but one day we’ll be in eternal peace.

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Encouraging the Usage of Mental Health Services

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Encouraging the Usage of Mental Health Services

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In Rosignol Secondary, Guyana, mental health is often thrown to the side or treated as a joke. Despite official mental health services being available to students, According to one of the counselors, only a small portion of students open up or use the services available to them when it comes to dealing with and discussing issues.

Rather than make mental health services more accessible, it is clear that the main issue to be dealt with is getting students to utilize the services available.

Back in late 2022, an initiative was started to have guidance counselors in all secondary schools. Rosignol in particular has 2. However, the main issue lies in the students and their usage of these services. Rather than making mental health services more accessible, our focus needs to be on encouraging students to use the services available to them by removing the stigma attached to mental health and the issues we face.

This has to be done in 2 ways. Each way targeting the students and the authority figures respectively.

Firstly, when it comes to students, having general short sessions with a specific grade/class after the dismissal bell could have them open up and get used to the idea of seeking counsel. Due to it taking place after school, there would be no interruptions, limited distractions and most importantly a quiet environment to ensure the session is calm and collected yet also personal. Coordinating with the school's administration would be necessary in achieving this.

Secondly, given how mental health is often seen as a religious matter, introducing a training program for religious counseling would ensure that parents who entrust religious leaders in the community have the knowledge and the means to properly and effectively deal with the mental health issues that arise within the community. Organizations such as the Seventh Days Adventist Church already undergoes such programs related to Pastoral Counseling for the pastors in training. Other groups could similarly follow suit. Commuting with various community leaders to advocate for such programs is vital to ensuring this program comes to light.

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The Horrors of Academic Pressure and How I Think It Can Be Addressed.

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The Horrors of Academic Pressure and How I Think It Can Be Addressed.

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My name is Teja Skinner. I am a form five student of St. Joseph's Convent St. George in Grenada.

The challenge I chose to address in my school community was academic pressure and the negative effect it has on student's mental health.

What solutions have already been tried?

. The main thing my school does to address this problem is raise awareness. They would address the problem and give tips on how to manage stress and anxiety. Although this is a great initiative I think it lacks effectivity. Additionally the implementation of life skills and religious instruction in the school's curriculum is also a great initiative.

My Proposal:

I think certain programs or institutions can be made and implemented into the school's extracurricular system.

1. I would like to propose "Stronger Together". This would be an extracurricular that focuses on building good habits, and a strong support system. One of the major issues regarding dealing with academic pressure is that students don't feel like they can trust counsellors or they don't feel understood. "Stronger Together" addresses this problem by allowing the girls to build strong sisterhood bonds. They can relate to each other and therefore help each other build and grow. It would be a space where they can feel safe and not have to focus on their academics but rather building themselves emotionally and spiritually with the support of friends. Activities practiced by the group would be focused on guidance, growth and God. Furthermore it would be done through fun, interactive and engaging activities that promote good mental health so that the girls can escape from the pressures of the academic world.

Mental Health Days

I think implementing at least two mental health days within a school term would prove to be very beneficial. It would allow students to relax and also catch up on any work they might be behind on. It serves as a great way for students to decompress and reset. Additionally, it sends a message to the students that their mental health is important to the teachers.

Parent Education

. I think programs and workshops should be put in place for parents to understand how to promote good mental health for their children. Another major issue regarding the challenge of academic pressure is the stigma around mental health. Many parents especially in the Caribbean have a mindset that children can't be depressed or face anxiety. A loving and supportive home plays an essential role in ensuring the well being of a child. With these programs in place they will learn how to better understand their children as well as help them face academic pressure or anything affecting their mental health. Love and support are two of the best medicines you can give a child.

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Group Cohesion and Lack of communication 

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Group Cohesion and Lack of communication 

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My name is Nailah Charles, a 16-year-old student from Grenada, and I am currently a form five student at St. Joseph’s Convent St. George’s. One challenge I have noticed in my school is a lack of cohesion among students, teachers, and staff that is often disregarded and leaves some members of my school community feeling disconnected due to poor communication. I believe this can change.

My school strives to promote unity as much as they can through team games, talent shows; school wide activities but there are some areas being overlooked.

My proposals include:

1. Implementing frequent student-teacher meetings monthly which includes house officers of the school where students and teachers meet to share ideas and concerns. Presently I am a part of the student council, but there is yet to be a meeting where we can where we can meet with teachers to share ideas and concerns. In many schools, students feel like decisions are made without their input. Teachers may not always know what students are going through. When students speak and teachers can truly engage with them through these discussions.

2. The creation of a weekly, or monthly digital or printed update with school news, student achievements, and upcoming events managed by a student social media team and supervised by teachers. This proposal aims to keep everyone informed, celebrate student success and build pride and unity across forms and departments and even the wider community.

3.A physical or digital suggestion box where students can or suggestion board where students and teachers can submit ideas to improve school life anonymously. For example, a decorated box placed in a shared area like the library or hallway include with slips of paper and pens for students to write suggestions or, a digital version for those who prefer online using Google Forms distributed at least every year.

Many schools use suggestion boxes to improve student voice. For example, the “Speak Up” initiative in UK schools encourages anonymous feedback to build trust and improve school culture. These ideas should encourage respectful communication and shows students that their opinions matter. It is simple, low-cost, and can lead to real changes in school policies, activities, and relationships.

At St. Joseph’s Convent St. George’s, we have the talent, pride, and potential to be more than just a respected school we can be a truly united community. By improving communication through these proposals, we can my a more cohesive school community, where teachers, student leaders, and a counsellor to guide the discussion and ideas.

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Proposal to project light up lovely lass

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Proposal to project light up lovely lass

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My name is Tana Thompson, I'm from Guyana and a Student at the New Amsterdam Secondary School. To improve safety in Lovely Lass, I propose the "Light Up Lovely Lass" Solar Streetlight Initiative.

The plan focuses on placing DURABLE solar-powered, energy-efficient streetlights in the

darkest and most commonly used areas, especially:

-The back streets leading toward the backdam

-Routes used by students returning from lessons

-Pathways used by adults who come home late from work

These lights would be durable to prevent easy removal by individuals and from being broken from items thrown at it, also some would include motion sensors to conserve energy and brighten automaticaly when someone is passing through a short cut, pathways or unoccupied plots of land. This is affordable, sustainable, and suitable for rural areas. Regular maintenance and check ups should be done to ensure the lights work effectively.

What solutions have already been tried?

Some sections of the main road have streetlights, but inner streets and back areas

remain unlit because of the destruction of previous lights there, by gangs/ loiters. Residents spoke up about buying their own lights for their comfort and safety only for it to be broken at night and found shattered on the ground in the morning. Community members say that requests for more lights were mentioned formally before but no response were given.

Who or what resources could you turn to?

-Regional Democratic Council (Region 5) - responsible for community infrastructure

-The local government of the region

-Residents to help identify the darkest and most unsafe zones

This plan can involve different groups working together:

-Individuals can help map unsafe areas and raise awareness.

-Authorities (RDC and The local government) can provide installation, funding, and maintenance.

Sources Used

-Interviews with residents

-Personal experience

-Conversation-based testimonies

-Observation

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Challenge: Littering - Solutions to Littering in and Around Schools and Communities in Guyana

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Challenge: Littering - Solutions to Littering in and Around Schools and Communities in Guyana

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Hi friends :)👋

I am Zodian Kirkland, a student of New Amsterdam Secondary School (Multilateral), New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana and a past student of Berbice High School in the same town. Listen along as I tell you the challenge in my school and how it may be improved one step at a time. <3

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My Proposal To Remedy Smoking In Restrooms

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My Proposal To Remedy Smoking In Restrooms

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Solutions That Have Been Attempted

Oftentimes, the school will bring in either a guest speaker or police officer to try to steer boys in the right direction. Despite how compelling and relatable these speakers may be, their words either fall on deaf ears. Students choose to ignore them completely or feign an attempt at change. I feel as though this solution has been almost entirely unsuccessful. In my own experience, the number of boys that smoke in bathrooms has only increased. According to the WHO Framework on Tobacco Control, there has been a substantial increase in the number of male adolescent smokers.

Besides that, smokers have been suspended regularly for breaking school rules. Suspension is largely ineffective, as they see it as a reward, not a punishment. Away from school, they are free to do as they please.

Solution

I propose that there be a male teacher or security guard that stands outside the restroom to ensure that boys do not smoke in the bathrooms. Students may assist by discreetly reporting any smokers they see, dissuading smokers from using the restrooms as a hangout.

I also recommend that boys be prohibited from using the restroom during class times, unless accompanied by an escort. This would be to ensure that they do not stay inside the restroom for the entirety of class time.

Kevin Williams

R.M. Bailey Senior High School

Nassau, The Bahamas

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A strong solution to cyberbullying is to create a safe and private way for students to report online harassment, while also teaching everyone how to behave responsibly on the internet. Schools and parents should work together to guide young people, encourage kindness, and help them understand the real impact of their words. By promoting positive online behavior, offering support to victims, and giving fair consequences to bullies, we can build a safer digital space where everyone feels respected.- Tamiah Mackey (The Bahmamas, Anatol Rodger’s Highschool)

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Nefertari Lockhart, C. I. Gibson Senior High School, The Bahamas

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High School Academic Support System (HSASS) Proposal OAS

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High School Academic Support System (HSASS) Proposal OAS

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This is a program that could be implemented in the high schools in collaboration with the guidance departments at the various schools to support students academically while keeping them mentally and socially afloat.

This program will ensure:

·         Learning Style Tests can be distributed so that students' learning styles can be acknowledged and given the proper attention. Based on an article on myperformancelearning.com, when children learn in alignment with their preferred learning style, they become more engaged and interested in what is being taught. Thus, this will improve the rate at which some students learn, their information retention, and their progress.

·         Students can receive academic aid from high achievers or student tutors in a study buddy-like program, so that students can learn from more relatable teachers in their age range. Also, according to Victoria University’s page, having a study buddy comes with a few advantages, which include keeping each other motivated, you can keep each other accountable, and sharing resources. So, building this bond can link both categories of students, building a stronger student community and relationships that will last for a lifetime.

·         According to the Australian Education Research Organization, teacher-student relationships are an important element in classroom management. The article goes on to quote a Commissioner for Children and Young People, who is left unnamed, saying in 2018 that, “Students who have positive connections with their teachers are more likely to have more positive attitudes towards school, perceive themselves as part of the school community, attain higher academic results and place high value on regular attendance.” Therefore, a teacher-student committee could be formed. That way, students could communicate with the teachers diplomatically to express their needs and propose ideas.

·         Based on an article from peachwellnessacademy.com, schools that invest in mental health education and early intervention programs see significant improvements in both attendance and performance. A mental wellness test could be distributed daily, along with frequent check-ins with the guidance counselors or licensed therapists, to make sure the students’ mental health is taken care of so that they can keep their main focus on their studies.

How others can join in:

·         Students can apply to be tutors in the program for community service and encourage their friends to join.

·         Teachers can provide further support and resources. They could have student tutor training so that they can have qualified tutors for the students, so that optimum learning is taking place.

·         Families can encourage not just their children but all of the children to do well and set up other academic-friendly initiatives through the school PTA.

·         Authorities such as the Superintendents and Ministers of different areas can donate resources to the schools or provide the necessary resources for the betterment of student progress, such as textbooks, electronic devices, and academic coaches and therapists.

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Hi my name is Jezlyne Gonzalez, im from Belize. what i would like to happen in my community if for us to come together and put up poster and videos to stop bulling. So we can have a great life and we can stop having teen end there life. it can help the student focus more on there school work. it can help the family with out having the lost in there family.

I've seen all the schools try to talk to the students to stop bulling. In assemble but it seem to not be enough, they keep bulling and talking about people they have already take students to the office because of bulling but nothing seem to work. That is why some students don't feel safe at school, and if afraid to go back at school while getting bullied.

so together we can come and stop bulling and have less life lost

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Rebuilding GHS: A Call To Action, Xia Glass

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Rebuilding GHS: A Call To Action, Xia Glass

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The St. George's Institute: By combining education, recycling, and collaboration, “Grenada Goes Green” aims to build a future where every Grenadian takes pride in keeping the island clean and beautiful. The fight against plastic pollution begins with simple, everyday actions—together, we can protect our paradise for generations to come.

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The St. George's Institute: By combining education, recycling, and collaboration, “Grenada Goes Green” aims to build a future where every Grenadian takes pride in keeping the island clean and beautiful. The fight against plastic pollution begins with simple, everyday actions—together, we can protect our paradise for generations to come.

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My Name is Naje Drakes and for too long Plastic pollution has become one of Grenada’s most visible environmental problems. From littered beaches and clogged drains to plastics floating in the ocean, the issue affects tourism, public health, and marine life. Although Grenada has already banned single-use plastic bags, Styrofoam, and straws, improper plastic disposal and low recycling participation remain major challenges.

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In Trinidad, many efforts have already been made to reduce crime, such as police youth clubs, community patrols, and awareness programs. However, crime continues to affect young people and families across the country. My proposal focuses on strengthening these existing efforts by involving more youth through mentorship, education, and community activities. If more people—especially students, teachers, and community members—join in, these programs can grow stronger and reach more areas. Together, we can build trust, reduce violence, and create safer, more united communities across Trinidad.

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Black and Red Modern Crime Scene Character Analysis Infographic_20251110_234920_0000

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Xia Glass SVGHS- Accountability in Action: Rebuilding the Future of GHS Together

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Xia Glass SVGHS- Accountability in Action: Rebuilding the Future of GHS Together

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Description of the Challenge

For the past five years, St. Vincent Girls’ High School has been operating from the temporary site at the old E.T. Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale. The relocation was initially meant to last only a short time while repairs were completed on the main campus in Kingstown. However, new structural complications with the Grimble building have delayed progress, extending the school’s stay on the tarmac.

The temporary wooden classrooms, though functional, have deteriorated over time. Weak flooring, exposed nails, and occasional pest problems make it difficult to maintain a safe and stable learning environment. Despite these challenges, students and teachers continue to uphold GHS’s legacy of academic excellence and discipline.

Research Conducted

Through reports from iWitness News (July 2024), Searchlight Newspaper (April 2024), and the Agency of Public Information, I learned that the delays stem mainly from unexpected structural issues during renovation and the resulting extension of the project timeline. I also spoke with students and teachers who described the daily maintenance difficulties and the emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty about returning to the main campus.

This research made it clear that the issue is not only infrastructural but also about accountability and communication.

Proposed Solution

My proposal focuses on community-driven accountability and collaboration to speed up progress and improve current conditions.

If the issue is financial, the school community we can rally support using fundraisers to assist with small improvement costs.

If the issue is related to decisiveness we can ask questions and try to have other others input on decisions.

If the issue is administrative or communication-related, we can create an Awareness and Update Campaign, using social media, newsletters, and student-led outreach to encourage more public engagement from key stakeholders like the Ministry of Education, the Minister of Works, and the contractors.

By drawing attention to the situation respectfully and constructively, we can increase urgency, encourage clearer communication, and inspire collective responsibility.

Who Benefits and How

• Students and teachers gain safer, more stable learning spaces.

• The community is empowered to contribute to education reform.

• Government agencies can build trust and demonstrate responsiveness through collaboration.

This initiative shows the importance of student participation in improving education systems, supporting with the forum’s theme of democratic engagement.

Expected Results

Short-term:

• More awareness of the issue through student media and online engagement.

• Clearer communication channels with authorities and project managers.

• Community involvement in small repairs and improvements.

Long-term:

• Faster progress toward rebuilding the main GHS campus.

• Stronger culture of civic engagement and youth participation in national development.

Format of the Proposal

I will present my idea through a short video (about 1 minute) titled “Rebuilding GHS: A Call to Action.”

The video will combine voiceover narration, images of the temporary school environment to emphasize both the urgency and unity behind this proposal.

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Solutions for the excessive amount of waste on school campus.

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Solutions for the excessive amount of waste on school campus.

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This is is Sarai Louis and Jayden Turner from The Bahamas, specifically, St. Anne's School.

From our observations, our school has already tried labeling bins, doing campus clean ups and many more. These are unique solutions that we propose:

1. Launch an “Eco-Awareness Week” each term, focusing on the impact of littering and waste reduction.

2. Conduct short talks or assemblies on environmental responsibility.

Assign a student Eco-Monitor Team to check bin usage and report issues weekly.

Introduce a House or Grade Competition for least litter produced or most recycled materials collected.

Partner with local environmental organizations or municipal waste departments to hold educational workshops.

Together, students, teachers, staff and administration can spread awareness and promote action among the student body to make a real change.

Teachers will have a clean space to teach.

For students, less litter means less pests.

Less litter means fewer cleaning hours for staff.

For administration, the reducing waste and litter supports enviornmental policies and school improvement plans.

Since 25% of students litter already, these propsals may finally be the awakening some need to realize their actions are harming the enviornment and themselves.

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Purple and Green Creative Illustrative Do Not Litter Dispose of Waste Properly Flyer

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Challenge: Lack of student engagement and participation in class activities.

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Challenge: Lack of student engagement and participation in class activities.

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💭 Explanation:Many students at St. Rose Modern Secondary School may not fully take part in lessons, group work, or school events. Some stay quiet during discussions, don’t complete assignments on time, or show little interest in learning. This could be because classes sometimes feel repetitive, there aren’t enough hands-on activities, or students don’t see how lessons connect to real life.When students aren’t engaged, teachers find it harder to keep lessons exciting, and overall academic performance drops. It can also affect discipline and make the school environment less lively and creative.

Causes

Teaching methods that rely too much on note-taking or lectures.

Peer pressure or fear of being judged when participating.

Possible Solutions

Introduce digital tools or educational games to make classes more interesting.

Offer counseling and encouragement for shy or struggling students.

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Here are three reasons why bullying should be stopped:It harms mental health – Bullying causes stress, anxiety, and depression, which can deeply affect a person’s self-esteem and happiness. It creates unsafe environments – Schools and communities where bullying happens often feel unsafe and unfriendly for everyone. It damages the future 

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Here are three reasons why bullying should be stopped:It harms mental health – Bullying causes stress, anxiety, and depression, which can deeply affect a person’s self-esteem and happiness. It creates unsafe environments – Schools and communities where bullying happens often feel unsafe and unfriendly for everyone. It damages the future 

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Proposed solution

This proposal is a student-led initiative to reduce bullying through awareness, support, and action “Stand Up Boca.”

What has been tried before?

At our school, teachers and counsellors have spoken to students about bullying, and we have had classroom talks on respect and behavior.

What we want to change

We want to change the culture surrounding bullying. We want students to stand up when they see bullying. We want to change the behavior of staying silent or looking the other way. Our goal is for students to understand that standing up for someone is just as powerful as speaking out. We want a school where everyone feels like they belong and where kindness becomes the norm, not the exception.

Who will benefit

This environment will help students feel safer, more confident, and more supported at school. This will, in turn, create a more positive atmosphere for learning with fewer conflicts. Parents will have peace of mind knowing that their son or daughter is in a bully-free environment.

Steps we can take

1. Create a support team for students who experience bullying. This can be a group of students trained by the counsellor or a teacher to listen and support others safely.

2. Include positive affirmations during the daily morning assembly, where students verbally share kind words or compliments with each other.

3. Create an anti-bullying club called “Stand Up Boca.” In the club, students can share their concerns or fears about bullying. Members can be equipped with information and resources to combat bullying and share them with other classmates.

4. Use our school’s social media page: https://www.facebook.com/BocaSecondarySchool to designate a “Stand Up Boca” day every week, where short videos or quotes created by students are shared online to promote kindness and awareness.

5. Encourage schools to engage in reform related to bullying: This can include arranging one-on-one sessions between the bully and the victim (when appropriate), as well as helping the bully develop better anger management and social skills.

Resources that can help

The principal, school counsellor, teachers, and prefects can all help guide students with the different initiatives.

Expected results

In the short term, it is expected that more students will speak up when they see bullying, helping to deter individuals from committing such acts. Students will learn to be kinder and more respectful towards each other and discover positive ways to handle bullying situations.

In the long term, there should be a cultural shift at the school, leading to a significant drop in bullying incidents.

Conclusion

The “Stand Up Boca” initiative should help reduce bullying and create a more positive school environment. I truly believe that we can make Boca Secondary School a place where respect, empathy, and courage lead the way.

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Creating Youth groups and Adults counseling sessions. 

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Creating Youth groups and Adults counseling sessions. 

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My name is Annila Muir, I am 18 years old and a student of Berbice High School in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six my home community. Violence is in all forms. Both youth and adults, has become affected this serious issue affecting peace and safety of my community. To address this challenge, my proposal focuses on reducing violence and improving safety in New Amsterdam through youth engagement, adult counseling, and community collaboration.

By forming youth groups, students can have a safe space to express themselves, learn conflict-resolution skills, and participate in positive activities such as mentorship, sports, and community projects. These activities help young people build confidence, self-control, and respect while steering them away from negative behavior.

At the same time, adult counseling sessions will provide parents, teachers, and other community members with support to manage stress, improve communication, and handle conflicts peacefully. This encourages emotional healing, stronger family relationships, and better role models for young people.

Finally, collaboration between schools, the police, and local organizations will ensure that everyone works together to maintain safety, provide guidance, and promote mutual respect. Through this united effort, New Amsterdam can become a more peaceful, caring, and resilient community where both youth and adults can thrive.

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Hi, my name is Jahzara Bhola. I attend the Grenada SDA Comprehensive School (GSDACS) in Grenada.

My proposal is called

"The kindness champions"

It is a School-Wide Anti Bullying Initiative

Proposed change: The purpose of my proposal is to make our school a place where kindness wins over bullying. I want to start a program called “Kindness Champions” to help students feel safe, respected, and supported.

Solutions that have already been tried: Several solutions have already been tried in my school. Talking to students about bullying in Guidance counselling sessions and having assembly with presenters talking about bullying have been conducted. Many students in my school don’t take the assemblies or the counselling sessions seriously because they believe it's the same messages being repeated and does not any positive effect after completion.

My proposal:

To Launch a new program called “Kindness Champions". Which will be led by students, supported by

teachers, and will be promoted throughout the school.

The focus is to make kindness a normal part of our daily life at school and not just something being discussed during assemblies and counselling sessions.

Kindness Workshops:

Monthly sessions that teach self-worth, empathy, self-respect, and how to handle conflicts peacefully.

Interactive activities, role plays, and games to keep students engaged and to remember the lesson embedded in the activities.

Peer Team:

A group of selected and trained students known as Kindness Champions.

That help others who are being bullied and help encourage positive behaviour and report serious issues to teachers.

Anonymous Reporting System:

This reporting system will be called "Kindness Anonymous". A safe way (via a box or online form) for students to report bullying without fear.

Reports are reviewed by teachers, the kindness champions or the guidance counsellors.

Kindness Campaigns:

Posters, brochures, videos, and social media posts designed by students to promote kindness.

Recognition Program:

Reward students who show kindness, leadership, or courage that stands up against bullying and reward students who have been rehabilitated.

Rewards can include certificates, badges, shout-outs during assemblies and inclusion in the kindness champion team.

Who benefits from the proposal

The program will benefit the entire school community. Students who are bullied will feel safer and more supported, while those who bully others can learn to change and show kindness. Bystanders will gain the courage to speak up, and teachers will have a more positive and peaceful classroom. Overall, it will help create a school where everyone feels respected, valued, and happy to learn.

How It Can Be Achieved

The “Kindness Champions” program can be achieved by professionally training students to promote kindness, holding fun workshops, and creating safe ways to report bullying. Teachers and counsellors will guide and support the program, while posters, campaigns, and rewards will help spread the message. With teamwork from students, staff, and parents, our school can become a safe and caring place for everyone.

Expected Outcome

Short Term: Students will feel safer, supported, and more confident, while bullying incidents are reported and addressed quickly.

Long Term: The school will develop a lasting culture of kindness, respect, and inclusion, with fewer bullying incidents and a happier, more united community and students will have a more heightened awareness of who they are and how to truly love themselves and others.

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My Solution to making learning more fun at the Grenville Secondary School.

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My Solution to making learning more fun at the Grenville Secondary School.

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Use Games and Activities
Learning doesn’t always have to be serious and strict. Teachers can use educational games, quizzes, and competitions to make lessons more exciting. For example, spelling bees, math races, or “Jeopardy”-style review games can help students learn while having fun.

Add Hands-On Learning
Instead of only reading or writing, students can do experiments, art projects, or field trips that connect to the lesson. When students get to touch, see, and do, they understand and remember better.

Use Technology Wisely
Tablets, smart boards, and learning apps can make lessons come alive. Videos, animations, and interactive lessons can turn boring topics into something students actually look forward to.

Group Work and Collaboration
Working together in small groups can make learning more enjoyable. Students get to share ideas, learn from each other, and build teamwork skills. It also helps shy students feel more involved.

Incorporate Music and Creativity
Teachers can let students make songs, skits, or posters about what they learn. Turning a lesson into something creative helps students express themselves and stay engaged.

Give Students Choices
Letting students choose topics for projects or how they want to present their work makes them feel more interested. When students feel in control, they’re more motivated to learn.

Make the Environment Comfortable
A colorful, positive, and welcoming classroom can make a big difference. Decorations, motivational quotes, and a friendly teacher’s attitude help students feel relaxed and ready to learn.

Connect Lessons to Real Life
When students see how what they’re learning relates to their daily lives, it becomes more meaningful. For example, using real-world examples in math or linking history lessons to local culture can make learning more relatable.

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Solution to Bullying in my school and/or community. 

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Solution to Bullying in my school and/or community. 

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Hello, my name is Suriyah Sankar, I am currently a Form 5/Grade 12 student at the Penal Secondary School, Trinidad and Tobago.

This is my proposed solution to bullying in my school and/or community. In the past, there wasn't an effective way of stopping bullying, to think about it, nothing was done, bullies were given warnings and told to stop, but...have they stopped to consider and think about WHY they should stop?

My solution to stop bullying comes from showing bullies their effects on their victims, to help them gain an understanding of their actions and learn why it is wrong entirely.

If we look around us, there are resources at our disposal to help with this initiative, School Guidance Counsellors and/or School Social Workers, as well as Community Police/Youth Volunteers are experts for input and assist into this.

I strongly believe that my proposal can work as something many young people lack is empathy, if they had Empathy they would understand the gravity of their actions.

Therefore...my highlights of proposal to effectively do this is...:

If educational and interactive workshops were held for bullies to understand "What is empathy" and show how their victims and anyone in general, bullying can be reduced as they will learn to be considerate of the other person/people.

If more resources were formed, for example, an anonymous reporting system for students / members of the community to report bullying incidents anonymously. Why anonymously you may ask? because speaking out on something that was supposed to remain in the dark gives you anxiety. If they were established, more reports of bullying can be made aware of and it can be stopped and intervened.

If more awareness of bullying was made, people would understand why to avoid bullying someone, setting up eye catching posters on bulletin boards around schools and communities is a great example of spreading awareness

This can only be achieved if Students, Teachers, Community Members and everyone including the authorities step up to make the initiative, because no one should have to suffer in silence, Bullying is EVERYONE'S Business.

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 I would like to suggest the creation of a “Student Attendance Support Program and more in the future.

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 I would like to suggest the creation of a “Student Attendance Support Program and more in the future.

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Suggested Change

Based on the challenge of high absenteeism and lateness at St. Rose Modern Secondary School, I would like to suggest the creation of a “Student Attendance Support Program.” This program would focus on helping students who struggle to get to school on time by providing transportation assistance, counseling, and motivation through rewards and mentorship.

The program could include things like a morning carpool or bus system for students living far away, a monthly award for perfect attendance, and small group sessions where teachers or mentors check in with students who are frequently absent. It could also involve parents more by keeping them informed and encouraging them to support their children’s attendance at home.

If more people joined this idea—like teachers, parents, and community members—it could make a big difference. Together, they could help organize transport, sponsor attendance prizes, and volunteer as mentors. With everyone involved, the program would become stronger, showing students that the whole community cares about their education and wants to see them succeed. This teamwork could reduce lateness, improve discipline, and help more students reach their full potential.

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Cool Classrooms Initiative – Mackenzie High School

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Cool Classrooms Initiative – Mackenzie High School

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At Mackenzie High School in Linden, many classrooms get extremely hot in the afternoon, with an average temperature of 31°C (88°F). Only 14 out of 28 classrooms have working fans, and 60% of students say the heat makes it hard to concentrate. Teachers also notice less participation after 1 PM.

Our proposal is to make classrooms more comfortable by installing additional fans, improving airflow, and encouraging healthy habits like staying hydrated. This will help students focus better, participate actively, and create a more productive learning environment.

We invite students, teachers, parents, and school staff to join us in making our classrooms cooler and more comfortable!

By Kayley Sandiford, Mackenzie High School, Linden, Guyana

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My name is Brylee Mckoy, and I attend Ladyville Technical High School in Ladyville Village, Belize. At my school I believe that Lack of Parental Support is a serious issue.

I propose "Parent Connect"

The "Parent Connect" initiative aims to enhance parental engagement within our school community by addressing the barriers that prevent parents from actively participating in their children's education. This program will focus on creating a welcoming environment for parents, providing them with opportunities to connect with teachers and school staff. To kick off this initiative, we propose hosting a "Meet and Greet" event at the beginning of the school year, where parents can tour the school, meet their children's teachers, and learn about available resources and support services. Additionally, we will establish a dedicated online platform or group where parents can receive updates, ask questions, and share experiences with each other and school staff.

In our community, schools have successfully implemented family engagement nights and utilized online platforms for communication, allowing parents to stay informed about school events. We can leverage the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for support in organizing events and reaching out to parents. Local community organizations focused on family support and education can provide additional resources and assistance, while school staff, including counselors and teachers, can facilitate workshops and share insights.

We aim to transform the lack of parental engagement by creating a more welcoming and communicative environment that encourages parents to take an active role in their children's education. Students will benefit through improved academic performance and emotional support when parents are more involved. Parents will gain valuable resources and connections to help them support their children effectively, while teachers will benefit from enhanced communication and collaboration with parents.

Concrete actions include hosting the "Meet and Greet" event, establishing the online communication platform, and organizing workshops on academic support strategies and mental health awareness. Existing resources, such as the PTA, local community organizations, and school facilities, will support these efforts.

In the short term, we expect increased parent attendance at school events and improved communication between parents and teachers. Long-term goals include fostering a culture of involvement that leads to better academic performance, higher attendance rates, and enhanced emotional well-being for students, ultimately creating a stronger, more connected school community. By starting with "Parent Connect," we aim to lay the groundwork for stronger parental engagement that benefits all students.

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I would like to suggest a “Punctuality and Responsibility Campaign” at J.W. Fletcher Catholic Secondary School to address the ongoing challenge of students’ lateness. The goal would be to transform the school culture so that punctuality becomes a shared value and expectation among all students.

How This Change Could Be Achieved if More People Joined

If more people-students, teachers, parents, and community members-joined this initiative, we could:

Create a support network where teachers and prefects encourage and monitor on-time arrivals daily.

Launch awareness activities such as assemblies, posters, and short videos showing the importance of being punctual.

Establish a reward and recognition system for students who consistently arrive on time (e.g., certificates, public praise, or privileges).

Engage parents and guardians to reinforce punctuality at home through reminders and discussions.

Collaborate with local transportation services to ensure timely arrival for students who travel long distances.

Expected Outcome

With collective effort, the school could develop a stronger sense of discipline and responsibility among students. In the short term, lateness would decrease noticeably; in the long term, students would cultivate lifelong habits of punctuality and accountability, leading to improved academic performance and overall school culture.

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Democracy in Bahamian Schools report by: Aryann Rolle

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My proposal to make schools more parliamentary

-Aryann Rolle (The Bahamas)

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Blue and White Modern Market Analysis Report Infographic.pdf

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Challenge I Identified:

My name is Jewel Collins, and I’m from Saint George, Grenada. At my school, Presentation Brothers College, personal devices and technology are being integrated into classrooms without standardized procedures. This has led to frequent misuse during class time, where students use phones for social media, gaming, and messaging instead of learning. It disrupts focus and affects the entire classroom environment.

Proposal:

To promote responsible technology use and reduce distractions caused by personal devices at Presentation Brothers College.

What solutions have already been tried:

Teachers occasionally ask students to put away phones, but there’s no consistent enforcement.

Some classes have informal phone check-in systems, but they’re not school-wide.

What people or resources can you turn to:

Student Council and class prefects.

IT teachers and school administrators.

Parents and guardians.

Ministry of Education policies on digital learning.

Proposed Actions:

1. Launch Monthly “Tech with Respect” Peer Talks

These sessions would allow students to discuss how technology affects their learning and share ideas for responsible use. Guided by teachers or trained peer leaders, the talks would promote awareness and build student-led solutions.

2. Create a Phone Check-In System

Each classroom would have a designated phone station where students log and store their devices at the start of class. This encourages accountability and minimizes distractions during lessons.

3. Empower Prefects to Monitor Tech Use

Prefects can help ensure phones are logged and not misused during breaks or transitions. They can also model responsible behavior and report recurring issues to teachers.

4. Involve Parents in Digital Awareness

Organize workshops or meetings to help parents understand the impact of unsupervised tech use and encourage them to reinforce responsible habits at home.

How the Community Can Join:

Students can take part in peer talks, follow tech-use guidelines, and support each other.

Teachers can guide discussions, monitor device use, and promote respectful communication.

Families can reinforce positive tech habits and attend awareness sessions.

Authorities, like the Ministry of Education, can support the initiative through digital learning policies and resources.

Expected Results:

Short term:

Fewer classroom distractions.

Improved student focus and participation.

Long term:

A culture of responsible tech use.

Stronger student-teacher relationships and better academic outcomes.

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Hello again,

my name is Yohann Alexis and I am from Grenada. Please find above some solutions to the challenge I believe existed in the education in my country and at my school- Grenada Christian Academy.

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Colorful Playful Illustrative Book Fair Invitation Flyer

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Every drop counts — the world is running dry

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solutions to water shortages in the Caribbean 

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solutions to water shortages in the Caribbean 

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My name is Shania Bynoe. I am a fifth form student at the Canouan Secondary School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This is my proposal to help with water shortage in Caribbean and worldwide.

The Challenge

Water shortage is becoming a serious problem in our community. Long dry seasons, leaking pipes, and careless use of water make the situation worse. Some households even experience days without running water.

What Has Been Tried

Public campaigns encouraging people to store rainwater and fix leaks.

Government rationing of water during droughts.

School lessons about the importance of saving water.

However, these efforts often fade because people forget or don’t have practical ways to make conservation part of daily life.

💡 My Proposal

“Save Every Drop” – a school and neighborhood water conservation program.

It includes:

Water Awareness Week – led by students, with posters, plays, and short TikTok-style videos teaching water-saving tips.

Rainwater Harvesting Project – students and teachers build small rain barrels for watering plants or cleaning school areas.

Leak Patrol Team – student volunteers check for leaks around the school and report them.

Family Challenge – each family pledges to cut water waste for one month and share their results.

👫 Community Involvement

Students design posters and social media content.

Teachers include water conservation in science and geography lessons.

Families participate in home challenges.

Local authorities help install rain barrels and repair school plumbing.

My source

Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association (CAWASA) reports on regional droughts.

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Proposal for Tackling Garbage in my School and Community

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Challenge Identified

Both in my school and across Carriacou, improper garbage disposal remains a serious issue. Litter is found in classrooms, corridors, and streets, while overflowing bins and careless dumping contribute to pollution and health risks. Many students claim that cleaning is “the cleaner’s job,” showing how disconnected we’ve become from our shared responsibility to protect the environment.

What I Want to Transform

Build a culture of environmental awareness and shared responsibility.

Encourage every student and community member to care for their surroundings.

Promote the idea that cleanliness reflects respect for ourselves and others.

According to Quora, an unclean environment leads to:

Higher rates of infectious diseases

More respiratory and allergic conditions

Increased mental health problems

Greater risk of physical injuries

Long-term public health burdens

These effects impact individuals, households, communities, and entire populations.

As the saying goes, “Cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility.”

A cleaner school and community will:

Protect health and safety

Build pride and responsibility

Strengthen respect for our shared environment

Who Would Benefit

All students, teachers, and residents of Carriacou would benefit from a cleaner, safer, and more attractive environment. Cleaner spaces promote health, pride, and cooperation, and inspiring others to join. Cooperation is one of the most valuable social practices for young people to adopt. It enhances teamwork and strengthens democracy.

According to the OAS (2016, 2025) and Nussbaum (2010), cooperation:

Builds relationships based on respect and compromise.

Improves social cohesion and develops empathy.

Enables collective solutions to shared challenges like pollution and climate change.

Promotes ethical decision-making through justice, solidarity, and respect for others.

Empowers youth to be drivers of social change in education, the environment, and culture.

Working together, listening, dialoguing, and setting common goals allows us to make meaningful progress toward a cleaner, more responsible community.

Proposed Collective Actions

At the School Level:
✅ Daily cleanup rotation: two assigned students after lunch
✅ “Cleanest Class” monthly competition with small prizes and recognition at assembly
✅ Student-led recycling projects and art murals promoting eco-awareness
✅ Waste-sorting stations with clearly labeled bins
✅ Influential students modeling positive behavior

At the Community Level:
✅ Launch “Clean Saturdays” and “Adopt-a-Village” drives where students, parents, and local businesses partner to clean public areas
✅ Encourage businesses to reward people who bring recyclables
✅ Advocate for more frequent waste collection (3× weekly)
✅ Work with Solid Waste Department to maintain bins and prevent overflow

Why It Will Work

Research by Kirova & Veselinovska (2011) shows that environmental education, both in and outside the classroom builds awareness, responsibility, and action-oriented values. When students are actively engaged in ecological activities, they become lifelong advocates for environmental protection.
This approach aligns with the idea of promoting the common good, caring for our environment benefits everyone, not just ourselves.

Resources and People

School resources: environmental club, art department, assembly time

Community partners: Solid Waste Authority, local government, shop/business owners

Spaces: school compound, village centers, and beaches

Media tools: school social media pages, posters, local radio

Expected Results

Short Term: Cleaner classrooms, student participation, and increased awareness.
Long Term: A community that values environmental care, with youth leading by example.

“Cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility, and together, we can turn waste into worth!”

Join Us: Students, teachers, families, and neighbors — let’s make Carriacou cleaner, greener, and prouder.

Sources:
OAS (2016), OAS (2025), Nussbaum (2010), OECD (2017), IADC (2001), Quora (2024)

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Learn how to be yourself and not try to fit in.

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Learn how to be yourself and not try to fit in.

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Proposal to Help Students at Canouan Secondary School Be Themselves

Hi, my name is Adanette Sobers and I attend the Canouan Secondary School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Background of the Issue

At Canouan Secondary School, many students feel pressured to fit in with their peers by following the latest trends in clothing, technology, or behavior. This pressure often leads them to hide their true personalities, talents, and interests just to be accepted by others. Such behavior can lower self-confidence, create stress, and prevent students from expressing who they really are. Instead of being proud of their unique qualities, many students worry about what others might think.

Purpose of the Proposal

This proposal aims to encourage students to embrace their individuality, boost self-esteem, and create a more positive and accepting school environment where everyone feels valued for who they truly are.

Proposed Solutions and Activities

1. “Be You” Week

A fun school event where each day celebrates a different theme related to self-expression and confidence.

Mix & Match Day: Students wear outfits that reflect their personal style, not the latest trend.

Talent Showcase: Students perform or display their hidden talents — singing, art, poetry, dance, or crafts.

Kindness Wall: A space where students can post kind notes or compliments about others’ personalities and talents.

2. Self-Esteem and Confidence Workshops

Invite guidance counselors or motivational speakers to lead short sessions that teach students about:

Building self-confidence

Dealing with peer pressure

The importance of individuality
These workshops can include group discussions, games, and storytelling to make learning fun and engaging.

3. “Uniquely Me” Classroom Projects

Teachers can include short assignments that let students express their identity. For example:

Writing a poem or short essay about “What Makes Me Different”

Creating a vision board of personal goals and values

Art projects that represent each student’s personality

4. Peer Support Club

Start a student-led club where members can talk about self-acceptance, support each other, and organize small school activities that promote positive self-image. The club can also host monthly “Be Yourself” challenges encouraging acts of kindness, creativity, or bravery.

5. Educational Integration

In subjects like Social Studies and English, teachers can include lessons about self-awareness, mental health, and peer influence. Students can learn about real-life examples of people who succeeded by being themselves, such as inventors, artists, or activists.

Expected Outcomes

By introducing these fun and educational activities, students will:

Develop stronger confidence in their individuality

Feel less pressured to follow others

Create a school culture of respect, diversity, and acceptance

Conclusion

Encouraging students to stop trying to fit in is not just about changing behavior it’s about creating a safe, supportive, and empowering school environment. With teamwork, creativity, and education, Canouan Secondary School can become a place where every student feels proud to simply be themselves.

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My name is Adilenie Wilson and I have noticed one major challenge in my community!

This major challenge consists of young kids mainly teenagers smoking marijuana. I think we can prevent this by creating posters to raise awareness and inform teenagers like myself that smoking dosen't make them look cool but actually affects their health in certain ways.

How Marijuana Affects A Childs Health:

1.Brain Development

The brain continues to develop until about age 25.

THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) can interfere with normal brain maturation, especially in areas responsible for memory, attention, learning, and decision-making.

2.Mental Health Effects

Increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and psychosis, especially in children with a family history of mental illness.

Some studies show early use may increase the risk of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.

3.Physical Health

Smoke inhalation affects lung health much like tobacco does — causing coughing, bronchitis, and reduced lung function.

THC can affect coordination and balance, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries.

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Solution:

We want to reduce litter in our school, especially near the canteen, benches, hallways, and entrances, and create a culture of cleanliness and responsibility. This will benefit students by giving them a healthier and more pleasant learning environment, teachers and staff with cleaner and safer school grounds, and the community with a more attractive and proud school area.

How can this be achieved?

Install more trash bins in high-traffic areas.

Form student cleanup teams who spend 5–10 minutes daily picking up litter.

Run an awareness campaign with posters, announcements, and social media posts about proper waste disposal.

Create a reward system to recognize students, classes, or clubs that help keep the school clean.

Start a recycling program for plastic bottles and paper in partnership with local recycling centers.

We can work with teachers, administrators, student council, clubs, and community volunteers to organize and supervise the campaign. Existing spaces like the school yard, canteen, and hallways can be used for bins and posters.

What do we expect to accomplish?

Short-term: Cleaner school grounds, fewer pests, and greater awareness among students.

Long-term: A lasting culture of responsibility, pride in the school, reduced environmental impact, and a model for other schools to follow.

By combining cleaning, awareness, rewards, and recycling, we can motivate everyone to take part. As a slogan, we can say: “A Clean School is a Proud School” or “Small Actions, Big Change.” Together, we can make our school a healthier, safer, and more welcoming place for everyone.

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Blue And Green Playful Illustrative Community Clean-Up Flyer

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My name is Adilenie Wilson and I have noticed one major challenge in my community!

This major challenge consists of young kids mainly teenagers smoking marijuana. I think we can prevent this by creating posters to raise awareness and inform teenagers like myself that smoking dosen't make them look cool but actually affects their health in certain ways.

How Marijuana Affects A Childs Physical&Mental Health:

1.Brain Development

The brain continues to develop until about age 25.

THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) can interfere with normal brain maturation, especially in areas responsible for memory, attention, learning, and decision-making

2.Mental Health Effects

Increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and psychosis, especially in children with a family history of mental illness.

Some studies show early use may increase the risk of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.

3.Physical Health

Smoke inhalation affects lung health much like tobacco does — causing coughing, bronchitis, and reduced lung function.

THC can affect coordination and

balance, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries.

4. Cognitive and academic effects

Regular marijuana use is linked to poor memory, difficulty concentrating, and lower grades.

These effects can persist even after stopping use, especially if use began at a young age.

How Can We Improve This Issue?

1. Educate Early and Honestly

Start conversations early (before teenage years) using age-appropriate language.

Explain how marijuana affects the developing brain, learning, memory, and mental health.

Be honest but not judgmental — teens are more likely to listen if they feel respected and informed.

2. Build Strong Family Communication

Encourage open conversations — let children know they can talk about peer pressure, curiosity, or stress without punishment.

Clearly communicate family rules and expectations about drug use.

3. Strengthen Social and Emotional Skills

Teach kids skills to handle stress, peer pressure, and emotions in healthy ways.

Encourage problem-solving, decision-making, and confidence building.

4. Support School and Community Programs

Promote school-based prevention programs that focus on drug education and resilience skills.

Support after-school activities that provide safe spaces for kids to connect and belong.

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Hello once again, I am Abraham Jimenez from the country of Belize, I go to Escuela Secundaria Técnica México. I have a simple yet not that much practiced possible solution, I believe Stigma reduction will benefit violence and crime rates and aslo help our country grow as a community that work together without problem. This may be wishful thinking but if we reduce stigma, why would there be violence or crime? Perhaps poverty, but if we accept everyone and actually help them in some way, be it a small action or big one we would have them realize they are not alone. By practicing this we can have them say what they have problems with, violence isn't natural, nevertheless; it occurs because something affected them to be violent or commit hurtful crimes. There might be better or more practiced solutions, but I think this would help many people and even us as a country or community.

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Dark Blue Grayscale Photo Grids Domestic Violence Poster_20251104_202810_0000

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After researching the problem of littering and the lack of recycling at our school, I want to propose the “Green Future Project” — a collective initiative to restart our recycling program and promote a cleaner, more eco-friendly environment.

In the past, our school tried a recycling project, but it stopped due to low participation. This time, the idea is to make it more engaging and sustainable by combining education, creativity, and teamwork.

What we want to transform:

We want to reduce waste, promote responsibility, and make environmental care part of our school culture.

Who will benefit:

All students, teachers, and our entire community will benefit from a cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant school environment.

actions:

Place new labeled bins around the school for plastic, paper, and general waste.

Start a monthly “Clean School Day” where students, teachers, and parents help clean and beautify the campus.

Create posters and short videos made by students to raise awareness about recycling and proper waste disposal.

Partner with local authorities or businesses that can collect recyclables or donate materials.

Reward the cleanest classrooms or most active participants with small recognition certificates or eco-friendly prizes.

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Ivory Illustrative Protect Our Planet Poster

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Fixing Generational Gap in Chateaubelair.

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Fixing Generational Gap in Chateaubelair.

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Bridging the generation gap requires intentional efforts to foster mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration between age groups. One effective solution is to create intergenerational programs that encourage storytelling, mentorship, and shared activities. For example, elders in Chateaubelair could be invited to share their life experiences, cultural traditions, and wisdom through community events or school visits, while youth offer insights into modern technology, music, and social change. This reciprocal exchange not only preserves heritage but also empowers both groups to feel valued and heard.

Additionally, schools and youth organizations can design creative projects that unite generations around common goals—such as environmental clean-ups, drama productions, or oral history documentaries. By pairing students with older residents to co-lead initiatives, the community cultivates empathy, teamwork, and pride. These efforts help dissolve stereotypes, build trust, and celebrate the richness of diverse

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My name is Haily loza. Im from Belize and i go to Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico. Basically this is my proposal it’s very simple and direct. The reason i think it will benefit everyone in our community is because we will have a clean environment in which we can run around, walk around and feel at ease while looking around. In these kinds of proposals we should most definitely include authorities, mayors, ministers, and any other person because when one person starts others join just like monkey see, monkey do. I would love to hear more insight on how i can help my community with this issue since i know many others think differently and offer many great views and ideas. Thank you.

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Challenge: A large achievement gap among students at my school Anna Regina Secondary 

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Challenge: A large achievement gap among students at my school Anna Regina Secondary 

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My name is Rekey Norton and I've addressed the issue of Achievement Gap in my School. So far, several solutions have already been attempted to reduce the achievement gap at Anna Regina Secondary School in Guyana, but they have not fully solved the problem. Teachers often offer extra lessons after school, but not all students can attend because of transportation challenges or cost. Parent–teacher meetings are used to discuss weak performance, although some parents are unable to participate due to work commitments. Some schools have tried using digital learning platforms to improve understanding, but limited internet access prevents many students from benefiting. Teachers also attempt to adjust their lessons for different learning levels, but large class sizes make it difficult to support everyone fairly.

To help address this issue, I could turn to several resources. The Guyana Ministry of Education provides learning support programs, teacher training, and official guidance. High-achieving students could serve as peer tutors, helping weaker students understand difficult topics. Teachers could recommend study materials and guide tutors, while families can encourage attendance and provide quiet study time at home. Local community members could donate extra textbooks or devices, and organizations such as UNESCO offer research that can guide improvement.

My proposal is to start a Peer Tutoring and Study Support Program. Strong students would volunteer their time once or twice a week to help classmates in subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science. This would give struggling students free academic support and help tutors develop leadership and communication skills.

This idea can bring students, teachers, families, neighbors, and school authorities together. Students can support each other’s learning, teachers can guide the program, families can encourage participation at home, and authorities can provide certificates or learning materials. Working together builds confidence, equality, and unity within the school environment.

The information for this proposal came from the Guyana Ministry of Education website, discussions with the headteacher, school examination reports, Stabroek News articles about educational inequality, and UNESCO research. These sources highlight the importance of early support and equal access to learning.

Overall, the achievement gap can be narrowed when students, teachers, families, and authorities combine their efforts. A peer tutoring program can provide fair learning opportunities and encourage cooperation. Every student deserves the chance to succeed.

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My name is Launa Cheong , I attend St .Ignatius Secondary school in Lethem ,Guyana .

At St. Ignatius Secondary, bullying has become a big problem because of a mix of things - like not having enough resources, tension in the community, and not having proper systems in place to deal with it.

solutions that were already been tried in St. Ignatius , talk to the students that are bullying , suspend children for bullying but that doesn't work.

My proposal

I would like to stop bullying at St. Ignatius Secondary, I propose a peer-led awareness and support initiative called Voices United, designed to empower students, foster empathy, and build a culture of respect.

The Voices United would benefit everyone in our school community. Students who are bullied would finally have a safe space to speak up and feel supported, helping them rebuild their confidence and feel less alone. Those who witness bullying would learn how to stand up for others and make a real difference. Even students who bully others could benefit by learning empathy and finding better ways to deal with their emotions. Teachers would also gain more time to focus on teaching, instead of constantly managing conflicts. Most importantly, our whole school would become a more respectful, united, and positive place where everyone feels like they belong.

At our school, we can do things to help stop bullying. We can start a group where students meet and talk about their problems. We can make posters and videos to teach others about kindness. We can put a box in school where students can report bullying without saying their name. Some students can be trained to help others and solve problems. We can also have fun events like walks or shows to bring everyone together. These ideas can help make our school a safer and happier place.

At St. Ignatius Secondary, we already have helpful people and places that can support this idea. Our guidance counselor can help students who are bullied and train student ambassadors. Teachers can help lead workshops and guide group discussions. We have classrooms, the library, and the assembly hall where we can hold meetings and events. In our community, there are groups like the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security that work to stop bullying and promote kindness. We also have talented students who can make posters, videos, and art to spread the message. All of these can help us make Voices United a strong and successful movement.

In the short term, I expect students to feel more supported and confident to speak up about bullying. There will be more awareness in the school, and students will start treating each other with more kindness and respect. Teachers will notice fewer conflicts and a better classroom environment. In the long term, I hope bullying will decrease, and our school will become a safer and happier place for everyone. Students will learn how to solve problems peacefully, and the whole community will be proud of the positive changes at St. Ignatius Secondary.

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My name is Eimmy Garcia from Pallotti High School and I think the following could help and work against violence and aggravation towards females/women.

Solution Plan:

1.)We could do more programs to create awareness because although many programs have been made,many people are still uneducated as to what happens.We could educate the youths as to how to have respect and give equality to all regardless of gender.

Some of these campaigns are the '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence',Spotlight Initiative etc.

2.)It would be very helpful for the women who have been victims of these actions to have a safe house to return after a long day. It has already been started as 'Haven House' is somewhere women from this kind of violence can have a temporary housing and also offers the women variety of stuff and necessities including counselling.It would be great to offer variants (shelter,legal help,health assistance) to the victims.

3.) Resources that would be possible to turn to for these kind of actions to take place would be 'National Women's Commission',Ministry of Human Development,Families & Indigenous People's Affairs,Local police etc.

4.) We should create a safe place and where women feel safe to report such actions.We could provide guidance to them and listen to them and help in the case of any help needed.Building a comfortable space where victims can speakout of these things is crucial.

We would like to transform the way they try to silence and control women as pure objects.We'd like to stop the disrespect against females.This would greatly benefit women as they would feel mores safe in public and private spaces. It would educate men as to how to maintain respect,self-control and equality.Actions could be taken by schools and communities by advocating on the topic.

As said before,its essential to create safe spaces to share and report such actions so we could create "safe boxes" or multiple online forums dedicated to each of 6 districts in Belize.

We would hope to expect a transformation in actions and more people educated on the topic.We would like to hear fewer cases about it happening and create and stronger bond and respect between women and men.We would like to reach for a future where genders are treated equally with respect and create a safer future generation that values no-violence.

https://spotlightinitiative.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/Spotlight_Initiative_Mapping_of_State_and_Non-State_Actors_Final_2020.pdf

https://www.havenhousebelize.com/our-services

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Hey there! Bronte Toussaint from Grenada(St Andrews Secondary School) here again. I am here to continue speaking about littering and mental health.

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Hey there! Bronte Toussaint from Grenada(St Andrews Secondary School) here again. I am here to continue speaking about littering and mental health.

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Challenge 1: Littering at School

Current situation:

Students often discard litter on the ground despite bins being available.

Past attempts like reminders, competitions, and small prizes have not been effective.

Proposal:

“Focus on a Spot Challenge”

Each class focuses a specific area of the school for cleanliness.

Students take turns keeping their area clean weekly.

Teachers supervise and note participation.

Visual progress boards show which class is leading each week.

Monthly recognition: winning class receives a fun celebration (e.g., class mural day, small treats, or extra break time).

Local source for reference: Ministry of Education, Grenada

Challenge 2: Mental Health Awareness

Current situation:

Activities like Mental Health Fridays, posters, and guest speakers have helped raise awareness.

Students still feel shy or reluctant to talk openly about mental health.

Proposal: “You matter club”

Create a club where studies who have these issues can go. A safe space. Weekly sessions include:

Short guided mindfulness exercises

Creative workshops (art, journaling, music therapy)

Open discussions for students to share experiences in a safe space

Special campaigns during Mental Health Month with interactive activities like poster design, motivational videos, and wellness challenges.

Community involvement:

Students: run workshops, create art and videos, peer-support buddies.

Teachers: provide guidance, monitor safety, co-lead sessions.

Expected results:

Short term: students feel supported, more open conversations about mental health.

Long term: stronger school community, reduction in stress and anxiety, better academic performance.

Local source for reference: Grenada Mental Health Association

Creative Elements for the Proposal

Bright, colorful realable visuals:

For littering: map of school with “adopted” areas, progress bars, fun icons.

For mental health: calming colors, student art, motivational quotes, small symbols like hearts or brains.

Social media presence: short videos or photos shared weekly to celebrate success and keep everyone motivated.

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While lunch lines are a major problem at my school, there has been a major improvement in line organization, which has heavily contributed to the issue. Now, there are certain lines you must go in based on what you want to purchase, and this aids in speeding up the process of buying food.

In addition to this, I would like to change the mindset students have when it comes to allowing their friends to skip the line, and this can be done by remembering that other students have been waiting a long time to get a proper meal. By shifting mindsets, students are more likely to hold their friends accountable and encourage them to do the right thing and join the line properly. Combined with this, there should be more prefects, who are considered student body officers, monitoring the lines to ensure that it is fair and everything is running smoothly.

By enforcing this, we can ensure that lunch lines are fair so that everyone can get their desired lunch. This will benefit the students who are fair and following the school rules. Furthermore, this will encourage the students to purchase at the cafeteria, which will further benefit my school and everyone at school.

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Name: Nicolas Hassan
Age: 16
School: St. Rose’s High School
City/Country: Georgetown, Guyana

Violence in schools whether physical, emotional, or verbal has become a growing challenge in Georgetown. At St. Rose’s High School, I’ve witnessed how small misunderstandings can grow into serious conflict, creating fear and breaking the sense of unity we value so much. Peace isn’t just about avoiding fights; it’s about fostering respect, empathy, and understanding among students.

After observing interactions and speaking with classmates, I discovered that many conflicts come from a lack of communication and emotional awareness. Students often feel unheard or disrespected, and that silence turns into frustration. Reports from Guyanese media and the Ministry of Education’s Safe School Protocol highlight the urgent need to protect students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing. These insights helped me realize that solving this issue means not just reacting to violence, but preventing it by nurturing empathy.

That’s why I created Peace Starts With Us a student-led initiative focused on building stronger relationships and promoting emotional resilience. The project introduces Peace Corners where students can resolve disagreements calmly and reflect before reacting. It also trains a Peace Crew a team of students who mediate conflicts and encourage dialogue. To reach everyone in the school community, we will use digital posters, videos, and social media messages that remind students that kindness and accountability begin with us.

This initiative isn’t just about stopping violence ,it’s about transforming our school culture. By hosting Dialogue Circles and peer workshops, we’ll help students communicate better, manage emotions, and rebuild trust. Each activity connects back to one goal: making St. Rose’s High a place where every student feels heard, supported, and safe.

I invite my fellow students, teachers, and parents to join me. Peace cannot be left for others to create,it starts with each of us. Together, we can turn St. Rose’s High into an example for schools across Guyana, proving that lasting peace is not a dream but a daily choice.

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Raquel Coyoc from Mopan Technical located in Benque Viejo del Carmen

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Brown Green and Black Illustrated Clean Community Drive Poster_20251102_165718_0000

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Introduction: Hello again everyone, I am Jadon Harford, a form 4 student attending the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS) in Telescope, Grenada. Adding on to my previous point on littering, I have research many alternative solutions to solve the littering issue at my school.

(Sources: social media, the community, local news.)
(Solutions attempted:  clean up competitions.)

Proposals:

1] Adding more garbage bins:

By adding more garbage disposals, it reduces the risk of students throwing away their garbage on the ground. It also makes it easier and more convenient for everyone to dispose of waste properly, encourages responsible habits, and helps keep the school clean and welcoming for students, teachers, and visitors alike.

2] Buying cleaning utensils for each classroom:

My form mistress has been practicing this method of cleaning back when I was in form 2. She would assign two different students daily to stay back after school to sweep/mop and tidy up the classroom. I personally think this idea is pretty smart and efficient of the whole school practiced this too. Not only does it keep the classrooms clean, but it also teaches students to take responsibility and care about their environment.

3] Form clubs relating to the litter issue:

I think my school should consider adding cleaning clubs to solve littering issues. The students in these clubs could check classrooms, hallways, and outdoor areas regularly to make sure everything stays clean. It would also help students take responsibility for their school and slowly build a habit of keeping the environment tidy.

conclusion/proposal: School should add more bins, provide cleaning materials, and form clubs. These steps would work together to reduce littering and create a cleaner, more welcoming school learning environment for students and teachers!

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The Challenge I Identified

My name is Tonya Gregory, and I am from Ithaca village , West Bank Berbice Guyana.

In my village , the water condition has been deplorable and cannot be used for drinking or domestic work.

Proposal :

To enhance a better water treatment plant for the village.

What solutions have already been tried:

:Tablets in the water

:Filter system

What resources can you turn to:

Ministry of Housing and Water

Regional Democratic Council

What are the expected short and long term results?

Having good running water in a community brings both short-term and long-term benefits. In the short term, it helps improve hygiene, prevents diseases, and makes daily tasks like cooking and cleaning easier and faster. People save time and enjoy better health when clean water is always available. In the long term, running water leads to a healthier population, stronger economic growth, and improved education since students spend more time learning instead of collecting water. It also supports environmental protection and raises the overall quality of life in the community.

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My name is Kilani Bery, a resident of the Queen Street area, and I am a student at Saint Catherine Academy. I want to address littering in our community.

Proposal:

Littering is widespread in our area, damaging the environment and making our community look neglected.

Why it matters

This not only affects tourism but also impacts our health. In Belize, this issue is particularly concerning as it harms our ecosystems and marine life. Litter pollution endangers our world-famous barrier reef and spreads disease.

What we already tried

Our nation has attempted various solutions to address these problems, including community clean-ups, litter laws, and awareness posters. While we have seen some success, our ecosystems still need more attention. What we really need is a program that changes habits and encourages ongoing responsibility, especially among the youth.

Solution/Benefits

One potential solution for Belize is to create friendly competitions that promote the cessation of littering, improve access to garbage bins, and foster respect for our culture and country. This initiative will benefit not only our community but also students and local wildlife, cultivating a legacy of cleanliness.

What can we do

As a community, we can take action through the "Keep Belize Clean" campaign, utilizing art and messaging in different languages to promote both recycling and pollution prevention. To maintain our progress, students and local businesses can work together to enhance our country.

Resources We Already Have:

- The Tourism Board helps with waste collection every Tuesday and Friday.

- The Ocean and the Department of Environment.

- Local businesses that sponsor rewards for participation.

Expected Short-Term Results:

- Reduced litter in our communities.

- Youth taking responsibility for their actions.

- Increased attraction of visitors and locals.

Expected Long-Term Results:

- A culture where littering is unacceptable.

- Cleaner seas and safer wildlife.

Why This Will Work:

- It builds on the initiatives we already have in place.

- It involves schools and communities coming together as one.

- Fun competitions can lead to lasting positive habits.

As one country and one nation, we can “Respect wi home, nuh bruk up Belize!”

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Hi, my name is Danairi Burgos from Corozal Town, Belize. I attend Escuela Secundaria Técnica México. The challenge I want to address is cyberbullying and online hate among students. Screens can make it easy to forget that real people have feelings, so our goal is to promote empathy, respect, and kindness online.

Proposal:

I suggest a Cyber Respect Campaign where students, teachers, and even families work together to reduce online bullying. This could include:

• Workshops to teach students how to respond to cyberbullying and protect their privacy.

• Peer support groups where students can safely share experiences and advice.

• Posters, slogans, and social media posts promoting kindness and empathy.

• Regular check-ins by teachers and counselors to support students.

Who Can Join:

• Students

• Teachers and school counselors

• Parents and families

• Community leaders or local organizations

Resources and Support:

• Computer lab for workshops

• Teachers and counselors to guide activities

• Social media platforms and posters to spread awareness

Expected Results:

• Short-term: Students become more aware of cyberbullying and know how to respond safely.

• Long-term: Safer, more respectful online interactions and a stronger, supportive school community.

How I Got Informed:

I spoke with classmates and a teacher/counselor, observed online interactions in group chats, and reviewed trusted sources like UNICEF and OAS materials on youth digital citizenship.

Let’s all work together to make our digital spaces safe and kind for everyone!

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Brown Handdrawn Stop Cyberbullying Poster

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My name is Jade Oliva, and I attend Saint Catherine Academy in Belize City, Belize. Many students avoid using school bathrooms because they are dirty, don’t flush properly, or have overflowing bins. The schools have tried hygiene reminder posters. This affects everyone’s health and comfort. At Saint Catherine Academy, we can involve the administration, teachers, janitors, and the Student Council for support and supplies. The main aspect I want to transform is the poor hygiene and cleanliness of our school bathrooms. This change will benefit everyone. Students will feel safer and more respected, teachers and cleaners will have less to worry about, and the entire school will enjoy a healthier, more pleasant environment. Concrete actions include launching a “Respect the Restroom” campaign, forming a student hygiene team, putting up hygiene reminders, holding monthly inspections, and hosting a hygiene education week. Our school already has the spaces, cleaning staff, and active student clubs to support this idea. Teachers and student leaders can work together to make it happen. In the short term, I expect to see cleaner bathrooms, fewer complaints, and greater awareness of hygiene. In the long term, this will lead to healthier students, fewer illnesses, and a stronger culture of respect and responsibility across the entire school community.

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My name is Ziana Vilsaint and I am from Abaco, The Bahamas.

The challenge I identified in the last forum was Mental Health Struggles among Students/ Youth. Across the Caribbean and The Bahamas, mental health is something a lot of young people struggle with silently. We deal with stress, pressure, bullying, and the expectations to always be strong, but not everyone feels safe to speak up. While there are seminars and counselors who help, the truth is that many students still feel judged or ignored. the stigma surrounding mental health still stands, and that silence continues to affect how we learn, grow, and interact.

My proposal is called “Mind Maters: Let’s Talk, Let’s heal.” This idea focuses on creating a safe, student-led space where we can talk about whats’s really going on. I noticed that while we have mental health check-ins, they’re usually short and formal. What we need is consistency and connection.

I’m suggesting that we start a small group that meets evert two weeks, a place where students can talk freely, share advice, and support each other. This can be paired with motivational posters, short talks during assembly, and a suggestion box where students can write how they feel anonymously.

The main thing I want to change is the silence and the judgement that surrounds mental health. Student will benefit because they’ll have someone to talk to and a safe space to express themselves without fear. Teachers will also benefit by better understanding what students are facing. To make this happen, we can start small by using an empty classroom for meeting during lunchtime.

All this can be done with the help of Guidance Counselors, Principals, Teachers, Student Leaders, Prefects, Local Mental Health Professionals. I expect that in the short term, students will start to open up more and support one another. In the long term, I hope to see a school culture that values mental health just as much as academics where kindness, empathy, and understanding become our norm.

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A class to teach students how to keep the environment clean and what impacts a dirty environment has on life.

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A class to teach students how to keep the environment clean and what impacts a dirty environment has on life.

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Hi, My name is Lyna Silva. I attend Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio, Belize. Littering comes from the fact that people don't know, or aren't taught to take care of our environment. An solution to that is offering lessons to teach on proper garbage disposal and how a dirty environment can affect our environment, additional to clean ups. Clean ups are extremely helpful and great for the environment but it doesn't teach people to stop littering. It shows them that other helpful and proactive people will just clean up after them. We need to attack the problem at the source and help stop the littering itself by teaching people about the potential consequences a dirty environment will cause.

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Green Illustrated Environmental Awareness Poster

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Hi my name is Sinae Garcia, I am from the beautiful country of Belize and I attend Sacred Heart College. One aspect of the school environment that could be transformed is waste management and recycling. Currently, many schools produce a large amount of waste, but much of it is not properly separated or recycled. By improving recycling systems and promoting environmental awareness, the entire school community—students, teachers, and staff—would benefit through a cleaner, more sustainable environment and stronger ecological values. Concrete actions could include setting up clearly labeled recycling bins in classrooms and common areas, organizing student-led environmental campaigns, and creating a “Green Committee” to monitor progress. The school can use existing resources such as science teachers, student clubs, the school garden, and local partnerships with recycling centers to support the initiative. In the short term, this would increase awareness and reduce visible waste on campus, while in the long term, it would foster a lasting culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability among students, positively influencing their habits beyond school.

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Hopefully a solution to make Ambergris Caye stay pretty.

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Hopefully a solution to make Ambergris Caye stay pretty.

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By: Ronald Coleman

San Pedro High School
Ambergris Caye, Belize

Pollution is something that’s become normal to see on our island, and that should not be okay. Every time I walk or run near the beach, I see bottles, plastic, and trash washed up on the sand or stuck in the sargassum. In some areas like in the picture, the garbage sits in the swamp water right next to people’s homes. It’s not fair that this has become our normal, and it’s not fair to the people who live here or the sea life that’s getting trapped in it.

I think it’s time we stop just talking about how bad it looks and actually start doing something together. My idea is to start a small campaign called "Keep our Caye Clean". I want people to care every day. Students and Staff from San Pedro High could team up with the Town Council and even local resorts or dive shops that already care about the ocean, like Hol Chan Marine Reserve. We can organize cleanups in the swampy areas and along the coastline that don’t usually get attention. Resorts already clean their beaches, but if we all worked together and focused on the rest of the island too it could make a real difference.

We could also use social media to promote it, like posting photos or short videos every time we do a cleanup, to show progress and get more people to join.

If the schools, families, and local businesses each took responsibility for keeping one area clean, the whole island would start to look different. We could even get more garbage bins around town, especially near the beach entrances and the lagoon side.

I feel like quickly, we’d see cleaner areas and less plastics floating around. But in the long term this is about changing how we treat our home. This island is small, and if we don’t take care of it now, it’s just going to get worse.

Ambergris Caye is beautiful, and I think it deserves better than to be covered in trash. I know a lot of people care, they just don’t know where to start. So this could be the start.

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School: Mackenzie High School, Linden, Guyana

Bullying doesn’t always start in school. It starts at home, and so does the solution.https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bullying-starts-home-so-does-solution-sonam-karki-z55fe

Greetings from wherever you are reading this. The challenge I previously identified was bullying, specifically cyberbullying.

Mackenzie High School had several systems in place with the intention of stopping bullying, such as

1. Encouraging parents to have one-on-one conversations with their children at home about bullying.

2. Regular assemblies.

3. Punishments set in place for those who bully.

4. The guidance counselor who is there for both the victim and the bully.

5. Mental health awareness campaigns, etc.

Who or what resources can you turn to

~Parents

~The Ministry of Education

My proposals to combat bullying are as follows:

Digital Kindness Challenge

In this generation it would be impossible to tell students to NOT use technology, but what you can try to do is encourage them to use it for good. On their own pages or even the Mackenzie High School Page, students should be able to share positive quotes and have a student of the week to encourage one another to do better academically and socially.

I believe this method would work because instead of checking to see if a new “little miss” has been posted, they would be checking to see if they are “student of the week” instead.

Pair Students from different grades into teams

The Ministry of Education Guyana would have posted, stating that on Fridays both teachers and students should be engaging outside in games, etc. My vision is that if you have these other children that you probably may not know on your team. Eventually you’ll have to communicate with that person in order to achieve the common goal.https://scontent.fogl3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/559445797_1128916266048901_2380509073612407153_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=PXGcPUynDjoQ7kNvwEubPRq&_nc_oc=AdnKgmUMGoaZ1JSbonjpDbGm1NChuGRMagAu2NCjcKtBWprWPFqsZQ4wLYcsVb40CTE-ehLWmM4bQNgOl9rCvMbY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fogl3-1.fna&_nc_gid=j7BYtQilxf0H_MWuDtCOMg&oh=00_AfeDI2i3t8XnxjbzFDTSB892_9euwe0yIZB9uAnIQwIZDg&oe=690B7B7B

I believe this system should reduce isolation, build friendships, and encourage teamwork.

Lastly, a common problem I’ve observed as it relates to reporting bullies is the backlash it would have on that student if not from the bully themselves, then from a friend of the bully. To combat this problem, having “bully boxes” set up would be a great implementation. This system allows those who are shy, scared, or simply may not know how to speak up a chance to show their truth.

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Hi, my name is Kalyssa Natta. I am a sixth form student at Pleasantville Secondary School. I thought very long about how I can create solutions to my challenge. The most prominent problem in my school is Poor/Late attendance.

My challenge: Poor/Late attendance

aspect of the challenge I want to transform: To limit the number of students staying home constantly and being late to school regularly.

Solutions tried before in point form: ID cards we use to clock into school.

My proposal: I think as motivation to show up to school they can introduce perfect attendance rewards, at the end of every month, students from each form with perfect attendance can be given some sort of reward, for a punishment to encourage them to be in school, they can mandate make-up study sessions to students who missed new topics being taught in class.

Who can benefit in point form: Students can benefit from the reward system and in turn they'll be in school getting their education, teachers can benefit by not needing to waste time on re-teaching new topics to the students that stayed home when it was taught.

Who can join in: Parents can join by actively ensuring that their child is in school always and on time.

Expected outcome: Improved attendance and punctuality of students.

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My Solution to the Uncleanly Environment at My School

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My Solution to the Uncleanly Environment at My School

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Hello again! My name is Aiden George from Saint Lucia and in the previous task I identified the issue of frequent litter around my school environment. Following up, this is my proposal.

Installation of Additional Bins

I am proposing the installation of strategically placed bins around the compound in addition to the ones already stationed. This is the possibly the easiest and most direct solution to the problem at hand. With more bins, students have more opportunities to get rid of their trash responsibly and consequently can be held more accountable when they do not.

Designing of Posters

To go along with the aforementioned, posters and other forms of artistic expression can be utilized to support the initiative. These posters could be used both as mainly visually pleasing media as well as informative channels of information. This improves the publicity of the campaign and could result in a larger and more cooperative student body.

Monthly Cleanups

To incentivize participation, monthly cleanup competitions could be scheduled to maintain the school's cleanliness. These would have prizes attached to encourage student participation.

All the above activities could be enrolled with the aid of the already existent and active SMC Environmental Club, a club which is relevant to the issue at hand

Expected Short Term Results:

Slight decrease in litter around the school

Improved student awareness to litter issue

Expected Long Term Results:

A significant decrease in litter found around the school

The installation of a 'green culture' which would eventually sustain itself and not require excess intervention (like cleanups)

Beneficiaries:

Students benefit as research suggests that the cleanliness of an environment is directly tied to the productive in said environment. Cleaner spaces means more productive spaces

Teachers benefit for a similar reason. Aside from increased comfort, the increased productivity means lessons can be taught more easily

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Name: Dion Moona

School: St Mary's College (SMC)

Country :St Lucia

Ways To Create Awareness of Peer Pressure Within SMC

Throughout SMC we have been implementing peer counselors in order to engage them on how to overcome and aid someone in combating such an issue. Though with the ideas that i have discovered, we can further bring an end to what we all know as peer pressure and create a utopia for all students in all forms.

Ways to Combat/Draw awareness to this dire situation:

With the uprising of social media it has been used to promote many toxic inbounds within the youth, leading up to the “Ideal Standard” making way for peer pressure. Despite that we can use this to our advantage by creating platforms to dismantle the illusion of the “Ideal Standard "thus leading to the suppression of peer pressure.

Another way to spread awareness on peer pressure is by creating videos or posters and publishing it on websites frequently used by the youth, in order to draw awareness to the plague known as Peer Pressure.

We can create flyers and circulate it throughout the school community

We can also directly bring attention to this by calling in an assembly to address the situation directly , as well as inviting guests to speak on the negative impacts of peer pressure and to educate the youth on ways to combat such issues.

If we were to complete this plan it would have a large impact as it is recently introduced and for the years to come it should be integrated into our school's lifestyle.

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Hello everyone! My name is Sarah Harry, and I’m a Grade 12 student at St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown, Guyana. Today, I’ll be sharing some ideas on how we can help manage and reduce bullying between senior and junior students at my school.

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1.     What I Want to Change?

The issue I want to focus on is bullying among students, especially when older students pick on or intimidate younger ones. Over the years, I’ve seen our school grow in so many positive ways ; new buildings, better facilities, stronger academics but this problem still hurts the sense of unity that makes our school special. I want to help change that. My goal is to build a culture where older students guide and support younger ones, instead of making them feel afraid. If we can do that, our school will not only shine in academics but also be known for its kindness, respect, and teamwork.

2. Who Will Benefit and How This change would help everyone.

Younger students will feel safer, more confident, and more willing to express themselves. Older students will learn leadership, empathy, and how to set the right example. Teachers and staff will have a calmer, more positive school environment. When students treat each other with respect, the entire school community benefits learning becomes easier, friendships grow stronger, and everyone feels like they belong.

3. What We Can Do I believe that real change can start right here, with us.

Here are some practical steps we can take:

• Peer Mentorship Programme – Pair older students (Forms 4 & 5) with younger ones (Forms 1 & 2). The older students can help their juniors with schoolwork, adjusting to high school life, and building confidence.

• “Bridge Builders” Workshops – Hold monthly sessions led by teachers, counselors, or even alumni to talk about respect, communication, and how to handle conflicts peacefully.

• Student Awareness Campaigns – Create posters, short videos, and assemblies that spread messages of kindness and respect — all made by students, for students.

• Safe Spaces and Suggestion Boxes – Set up a few spots (or even an online form) where students can share their experiences or ask for help confidentially.

4. What Resources We Already Have -We’re not starting from scratch our school already has amazing people and spaces that can support this idea: the Guidance and Counseling Department, Prefects and Student Council, support from the Ministry of Education, and our teachers and alumni who can share their wisdom and experiences.

5. The Results I Hope to See In the short term, I hope to see students becoming more aware of how their words and actions affect others. I’d like to see older students stepping up as real mentors and not just prefects but all the older students forming more friendly connections between different forms. In the long term, I want this to become part of our school culture where bullying has no place and where every student, no matter their age, feels respected and supported. I imagine a St. Stanislaus College that’s known not just for its academic success, but for its warmth and unity.

6. Final Thoughts

I’ve always been proud to be a St. Stanislaus student. Our school stands for excellence but true excellence also means caring for one another. If we can help older and younger students connect with kindness and understanding, we’ll be shaping not just a better school, but better people. Together, we can truly build bridges, not barriers

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My name is Felix Rejon and ,Vandalism in BelizeDescriptionVandalism in Belize is a problem seen in many communities, especially in towns and cities like Belize City, Belmopan, and San Ignacio. It includes graffiti on walls, damage to public buildings, bus stops, schools, signs, and playgrounds.Solutions already tried in BelizeCommunity clean-up projects: Local councils and schools organize clean-up days to repaint walls and fix damaged property.Police patrols: The Belize Police Department increases patrols in vandalism-prone areas.Public awareness campaigns: Programs encourage people to take pride in their surroundings and report vandalism.Youth programs: Some organizations involve young people in art, sports, and education to prevent destructive behavior.Resources in Belize to turn to Belize Police Department  helps prevent and respond to vandalism cases.Belize City Council and other town councils support clean-up and beautification efforts.Schools and teachers  educate students about respect for property.Community groups and NGOs like the Belize Youth Movement or Belize Environmental Club – promote community pride and cooperation.How your idea can join community efforts:Students and families can help repaint or decorate walls with murals.Teachers can lead discussions or school projects about protecting public spaces.Authorities can provide materials and guidance for community restoration days.

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My name is Jayden Pacheco, I come from Ladyville technical Highschool and I have found some solutions to the issue my school is facing which is a lack of student discipline

Behavior plans

Community service

Extra duties

Detention

Suspension

Though these solutions have the potential to impact the students positively by showing them that consequences exist, it simply doesn’t work for the students of this day and age where most punishments aren’t really punishments anymore.
A teacher in New York came out to say their opinion on the matter and stated that students at the school and in many other schools weren’t being punished and instead were rewarded for their bad behavior. These “punishments” consisted of detention, stepping out of class, etc but in each of these cases the students were still given access to their devices and in one case were a male student punched a female student in the face he was given his own specialized menu to choose from the very next day during his “punishment”.
If we want to find or create a proper solution we must turn to the parents and school staff. I want us to try and provide a safe environment for the victims of the issue instead of the aggressors. Schools should stop being so lenient with their students and should stop taking the side of the aggressors. In many cases the aggressors and children that require discipline aren’t punished while the victims are, this in turn lowers the amount of students who desire to come to school on a daily basis to learn and socialize.

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My name is Kelenna St.Marthe.I attend the Clendon Mason Memorial Secondary School and I reside from the community of Dennery.

In my community gun violence is a serious matter.

MY PROPOSAL

To create a asafer and a more welcoming community ,I believe that ending gun violence is not just about laws;it is also about culture,connection,prevention,and healing.So we can all come together and create a safer environment by creating peace with one another.

What aspect of the challenge do I want to transform?

I want to transform the large numbers of dead people due to gun violence.Ending gun violence can also build stronger community connections.I also want to transform the trauma caused by gun violence to more peace and safety in the community.

Who benefits from the change and how?The community,families and children benefit from a safe and peaceful environment or community where everyone in the community feels safe and valued.

What concrete actions can be carried out?

Communities have real power to reduce gun violence locally.

Education,Awareness and Empowerment:host community forums,community meetings or workshops on conflict resolution,trauma healing ,and safe gun storage.

Build partnerships between police and community groups for targeted interventions ,not blanket crackdowns.

Healing and Mental Health:offer traumas informed counseling and peer support for victims and families.

Start community healing circles or peace walks after shootings.

What resources,people,or space that already exist that can support your idea?

In my opinion the people of the community can help to support my idea also I believe the community groups can help as well.

Short and long term results?

In the short term,increase peace and safety and decrease death and trauma.

In the long term,a nation of peace and happiness,a nation where everyone feels safe and valued.

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"Don't be mean! Keep our school clean." - A suggestion on how to deal with the Poor Garbage Disposal Issue

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"Don't be mean! Keep our school clean." - A suggestion on how to deal with the Poor Garbage Disposal Issue

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Hi there! I am Ariany Perez from ESTM, located at San Roman Village, Corozal District in Belize. As mentioned in the previous activity, one of the challenges that my school faces is the poor disposal of garbage. Henry For once said "Don't find fault, find a remedy". He has a point, it is futile to play the blame game when we can focus on finding solutions. Through out my 4 years at ESTM, I have seen attempts at trying to tackle this issue. These include :

1. Making Fashion Shows and Arts displays with recycled materials. This I have seen this approach to be quite effective and would like to keep this activity.

2. Another solution that my school has tried is an Environmental Club. However this approach did not work as good as many students did not want to join the club. But it did serve as a means for educating our students and nurturing the idea that taking care or our environment is taking care of our future.

That being said here are the solutions that I porose:

1. Labeled Bins & Paper Recycling Station:

Placing more labeled bins for plastic, paper, and general waste and setting up a paper recycling area to reuse old paper for art or class notes would encourage students to sort and recycle waste properly.

2. Fashion Shows and Art Displays:

I would like to keep the art and fashion shows made of recycled materials. But also make them a way to educate the public about caring for the environment.

3. Paint the Bins Project:

Another solution that I propose is to paint the bins. This approach would let students paint a bin and promote proper garbage disposal.

To sum up, having a clean and healthy environment would not only benefit the teacher and the school but the students as well. Afterall, our environments often reflect our state of mind. Lastly, but not least, it is up to us; the individual to change. Even the smallest change can make the biggest impact. Let's say "Change starts with me!"

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Solution to restore and beautify St Joseph High's front area.

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Solution to restore and beautify St Joseph High's front area.

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I am Princess Stephen, I am a proud student of St. Joseph High, Guyana. I propose Project Green Space, which aims to restore and maintain the school's front area by planting trees and flowers.

Students, teachers, and visitors would benefit by having a more relaxing and inspiring school environment. A greener space can improve mental health, boost school pride, and encourage care for the environment.

Students can participate in planting and maintaining the garden through the Environmental Club. Teachers can guide the project, while parents and local businesses can donate materials like soil, pots, and seeds.

I would seek support from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and local businesses, especially plant nurseries, to donate seedlings, soil, and basic gardening tools. The Ministry of Education’s environmental programs could also be approached for advice or small grants.

ST. Joseph High already has an Environmental Club, open yard space at the front, and access to gardening tools that can be used to start the project.

In the short term, the area will become greener and more attractive. In the long term, the project will help build environmental responsibility among students, improve the school’s image, and create a sustainable culture of care for our surroundings.

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Recycled plastics from around the school will be up cycled into outdoor seating and eating areas, giving students a clean and eco-friendly space to rest after physical education, eat and socialise comfortably.

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Challenge and Proposal: Bridging the Skills Gap in Belize's Youth Labor Landscape

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Challenge and Proposal: Bridging the Skills Gap in Belize's Youth Labor Landscape

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As a student in Belize, it's clear that one of the most pressing national challenges affecting our future is the disconnect between the skills taught in school and the actual demands of the labor market, leading to high youth unemployment and underemployment.

The Challenge: The Skills-Demand Disconnect

While youth unemployment in Belize has been decreasing (down to an estimated 16.32% in 2024 for ages 15-24), a significant portion of young people are still classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). The underlying issue is often not a lack of jobs overall, but a "skills mismatch" where graduates lack the specific technical, vocational, and "soft skills" (e.g., critical thinking, professionalism) needed by growing industries like tourism, construction, and IT.

Creative Proposal: The "Belize RISE" Apprenticeship Hub

My proposal is to establish a "Belize RISE" (Rethinking Industry & Student Engagement) Apprenticeship Hub in partnership with local schools and businesses to provide accredited, real-world work experience before graduation.

The Proposal:

RISE is a structured, semester-long apprenticeship program for final-year high school students (Grade 11/12) focused on high-demand trades that are critical to Belize's economy:

"Hospitality-Tech": Students shadow staff in resort IT/Booking Systems, Maintenance (A/C, Electrical), and Culinary Arts.

"Blue-Green Trades": Focus on sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism maintenance (trail building, solar panel installation), and basic marine mechanics.

Students spend 2 days per week in school and 3 days per week with a business partner, earning a small stipend (crucial for participation) and an ITVET-accredited certificate upon completion.

Research: Solutions and Resources

Solutions Already Tried:

The Belize Youth Training Institute (BYTI) and the Department of Youth Services (DYS) already run successful programs (like the Entrepreneurship & On-the-Job Skills Training Service formerly the Youth Apprenticeship Program).

The Gap: These existing programs often target high school dropouts or at-risk youth. RISE focuses on integrating this real-world training into the mainstream high school curriculum, ensuring all graduates leave with accredited work experience, thus reducing the initial mismatch.

Resources to Turn To:

Authorities: The Ministry of Education (for approving the curriculum integration), the Ministry of Labour , and the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET).

Business: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), who need skilled workers and can provide the apprenticeship slots.

Source: The existence of the DYS/ITVET programs (Government of Belize Press Office) and the commitment in the National Youth Development Policy to youth employment shows that the governmental framework and intent already exist.

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Challenge: Lack of Youth Involvement in Agriculture 

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Challenge: Lack of Youth Involvement in Agriculture 

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My name is Caylee H. Mohammed and I am currently a Form Five student of St. Stephen’s College, situated in Princes Town, Trinidad.

Throughout this forum, the challenge identified within the Princes Town community was ‘‘The Lack of Youth Involvement in Agriculture’’. The main aspect of this issue to be transformed is the negative perception that many youths have towards agriculture. Throughout several years, the mindset that agriculture is outdated, unattractive and only involves toiling in the sun have been engraved into the minds of young people. With this mental block, they are unable to see the modern, innovative and rewarding field that it actually is. Instead, the sole purpose of this proposal is to showcase some innovative ideas that can be implemented within the community to help change the way young people view agriculture. These possible solutions offers opportunities for entrepreneurship, technology usage and encourages sustainable development, hence contributing to food security and reducing poverty not just in the community of Princes Town, but Trinidad and Tobago as a whole.

Resources:

Interview:

Renold Ramdial MPhil, BSc. Agronomist (Ag.). Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. October 24, 2025.

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Improve Hygiene and Privacy in all Washrooms and deal with the excessive garbage and pollution in my school.

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Improve Hygiene and Privacy in all Washrooms and deal with the excessive garbage and pollution in my school.

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My name is Joshua Homer, and I am a Grade 11 student attending the Bishops' High School, located on Carmichael Street, Georgetown, Guyana, and I am pursuing by studies at the CAPE level, and possibly more. But enough about me, it's time to talk about the challenges that need to be faced and dealt with.

This proposal will address the challenges of the unhygienic and not-so-private washroom facilities and the excessive garbage in the school. The Bishops' High School is always stated to be one of the most prestigious schools in Guyana, and it needs to stay that way.

What aspect of the challenge do you want to transform?

I want to transform the enormous prevalence of unhygienic washroom facilities and excessive garbage in most schools, especially the Bishops' High School, where many students complain about the washroom facilities, and many janitors and teachers report excessive litter and garbage in the school.

Who would benefit from this change?

The students would have a more comfortable and cleaner environment in the school if the washrooms were up to date and constantly cleaned. No student wants to walk into a dirty washroom with clogged toilets. Not to mention, the janitors wouldn't need to work themselves to the bone if the garbage was constantly disposed of correctly, instead of just being thrown everywhere.

What solutions have been tried already, and what resources could I turn to?

The Headmistress has already addressed the washroom issue, but she only covered one part of the problem, which was the students needing to clean up after themselves and flush the toilets. It's more than that; the toilets desperately need to be repaired, and the doors need to have proper locks. She also addressed the garbage issue with cleaning rotations for classes, but that only worked for a good week or two before it was seemingly abandoned.

For the garbage issue, I could always turn to the Environmental Club in my school and work with them to start a "Clean up Day" every Friday at lunch for each level, provided that the Headmistress gives us permission to do so. With this plan, every Friday, students from each level will help clean the school and get rid of its excessive garbage, starting from Grade 7 one week, then Grade 8 another week, all the way to Grade 13, then it starts again at Grade 7. For the washroom issue, I can work with the same Environmental Club once again to rally the student body as a whole and sign a petition to get the washrooms sanitized, the toilets repaired and actual sanitary devices such as hand sanitizer dispensers and hand soap back into place. Most, if not all students, absolutely despise the current state of the washroom and would absolutely sign the petition to get it fixed, and the Headmistress would therefore have to invest money into getting people to fix the washrooms for their school.

What are the expected long and short term results?

Short Term: The school would finally have a safe and clean environment to walk, talk and learn in for students, and the janitors would no longer have to be complaining all of the time. Instead, they would enjoy their work, as the workload is lighter now. Less complaints from students would arise, and instead, praise would be the only thing the school receives from its students.

Long Term: The school would continue upholding its reputation as one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Guyana, as it now would have a safe, clean and peaceful environment for the students to listen to. Students would feel relieved and happy, knowing that their school actually listens to criticism and does everything it can to improve its standards for them.

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My name is Makhaya Williams. I attend St. Stanislaus College on Brickdam Street, Georgetown, Guyana. Behind our school and along the Parliament walkways there is persistent litter and illegal dumping that blocks drains, attracts mosquitoes and rodents, and makes the route unsafe and unpleasant for students, teachers, commuters and nearby residents. This problem has even been publicly noted by local officials.

I propose the Hadfield & Brickdam Adopt-A-Spot "Keep Our Route Clean" pilot. We would place 4 to 6 covered bins at key hotspots, set up a school Adopt-A-Spot team with a weekly 15-minute tidy schedule and monthly community cleanups, install "No Dumping" signs with reporting hotlines, and run assemblies, poster contests and a social-media challenge to encourage better habits. The idea is to pair bins and regular collection with steady community stewardship so cleanups stop being one-off events.

To make this happen we will work with the school, including the principal, Environmental Club, Scouts and prefects, plus the PTA and local businesses for volunteers and small donations. We will ask municipal authorities to help with bin placement and pickup schedules, and Mayor Alfred Mentore and Ministry officials have previously supported cleanup efforts, so they are key partners. Crucially, we hope to work with the City Police and municipal enforcement officers to help monitor hotspots, promote reporting, and ensure littering regulations are enforced so offenders can be cited or fined.

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My name is Jahevelyn Thompson. A fourth form student at Ladyville technical high school in Belize.  The challenge of garbage waste at our school can be reduced through teamwork and awareness. Many schools in Belize already hold “Clean-Up Days,” supported by the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority, and we can build on those ideas. Our plan is to organize weekly Clean Campus Days, put up reminder posters, and add more garbage bins around busy areas. A Green Club will lead recycling and awareness projects, and a “Cleanest Classroom” competition will motivate everyone to take care of their space. Support will come from teachers and school leaders for guidance, students and class reps to organize activities, parents to donate supplies, and the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority for educational help. Short-term results: a cleaner, healthier, and more attractive school environment.
Long-term results: stronger environmental responsibility, less littering, and a proud, greener campus community. Teachers, students and visitors will benefit from this clean-up campaign and give the school a better look.

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CHALLENGE: THE ISSUE OF GUN VIOLENCE IN GUYANA

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CHALLENGE: THE ISSUE OF GUN VIOLENCE IN GUYANA

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My name is Safina Dowding, I am from Anna Regina Secondary School, Essequibo Coast, Guyana.

In my village, Onderneeming Sandpit, gun violence is very prevalent. I care deeply about this village, hence here are some solutions to combat it:

- Controlling illicit firearms: Given that Guyana does not engage in the manufacturing of firearms, a significant proportion of illegal weaponry infiltrates the nation through its inadequately secured borders. In response to this challenge, governmental authorities are intensifying border security measures, augmenting intelligence capabilities, and fortifying international collaborations. Strategic partnerships with global entities, including the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the CARICOM Gun Intelligence Unit, are indispensable for mitigating trafficking activities.

- Reviewing gun licenses: The governmental body is diligently working to regulate the issuance of firearm licenses to private individuals, particularly in light of apprehensions that legally possessed firearms have been implicated in criminal activities. Proposed strategies encompass an annual evaluation of license holders.

Implementing gun amnesty programs: Intermittent gun amnesty initiatives are employed to incentivize individuals to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms, presenting an alternative avenue for legitimate income generation.

- Applying stricter penalties: The judicial framework is currently undergoing a review to ensure the rigorous enforcement of legal repercussions against individuals possessing illegal firearms, thereby serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.

- Tackling poverty and unemployment: Economic disenfranchisement, especially among the youth demographic, constitutes a significant catalyst propelling individuals toward criminal behavior facilitated by firearms. Social development initiatives and investments in educational infrastructures are imperative in providing viable alternative opportunities.

- Providing skills training for at-risk youth: Specialized programs are designed to identify at-risk youth and offer them skills training aimed at securing legitimate livelihoods. Participants are frequently granted financial stipends to alleviate expenses during their training period.

- Combating drug trafficking: The narcotics trade serves as a substantial instigator of gun-related violence, with the accessibility of firearms exacerbating this issue. Efforts aimed at curbing trafficking activities necessitate enhancement.

- Building institutional capacity: Initiatives such as the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) concentrate on augmenting the capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and related institutions through legislative reforms, strategic planning, and operational advancements.

- Deploying more police patrols: The escalation of police patrols and the enhancement of law enforcement visibility, particularly in areas characterized by high risk, form an integral component of the operational strategy designed to deter criminal behavior.

- Using intelligence-driven policing: The Guyana Police Force is increasingly adopting intelligence-driven operational methodologies, resulting in a notable increase in the seizure of weaponry.

- Improving police-community relations: Fostering trust within the community is a pivotal objective for the police force, with heightened engagement and collaborative efforts being essential to this endeavor.

- Promoting non-violent conflict resolution: Initiatives centered on non-violent conflict resolution are vital for transforming societal norms away from the acceptance of firearm-related violence.

- Utilizing community policing groups: Empowering Community Policing Groups (CPGs) to function as the initial line of defense can enhance community participation and yield valuable intelligence for professional law enforcement.

- Increasing access to mental health services: Empirical studies indicate a correlation between mental health challenges and gun violence. Expanding mental health training and ensuring the availability of accessible services can effectively address underlying trauma and curtail future violent incidents.

- Enhancing victim rehabilitation: A closer cooperation between law enforcement and public health sectors can facilitate the safe rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who have sustained gunshot wounds into their respective communities.

Neighbors, parents, and students can collectively combat gun violence by acting as a community-wide support system for government initiatives. Neighbors can partner with law enforcement and Community Policing Groups by reporting illegal activity and promoting non-violent conflict resolution to build trust and increase neighborhood safety. Parents can ensure firearm safety at home by securely storing any legal weapons, actively monitor their children's well-being and online activity, and steer at-risk youth toward government-provided skills training and mentorship programs. Students can proactively contribute by joining mentorship programs, utilizing anonymous reporting systems to voice safety concerns, and becoming peer mediators to resolve conflicts peacefully, thereby fostering a culture of safety and positive engagement within the community.

https://guyanachronicle.com/2021/11/13/highest-penalty-for-possession-of-illegal-firearms/#:~:text=According%20to%20Section%2016%20(2,to%20imprisonment%20for%20seven%20years.

http://afcguyana.com/afcnew/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AFC-Policy-%E2%80%93-Guyana-National-Security-and-Sovereignty-Strategy.pdf

https://www.unlirec.org/en/guyana-works-to-reduce-armed-violence-and-crimes-involving-firearms/#:~:text=During%20the%20roundtable%2C%20UNLIREC%20conducted,of%20Action%20on%20Small%20Arms.

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“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” — Glenn Close

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My name is Chloe Martinez, I attend Sacred Heart College in San-Ignacio, Belize. A challenge at my school is mental health among students.

Stress, anxiety, and depression affect many students every day. At Sacred Heart College, we want to raise awareness and support each other so that every student can thrive

Suggested Change:
Create a Student Wellness Club to promote positive mental health through mindfulness, peer talk circles, stress-relief activities, and motivational workshops. It would offer a safe space for students to share their feelings.

How It Could Be Achieved:

Organize regular wellness days with fun, relaxing activities.

Teachers as mentors and students as peer listeners.

Host talks or counseling sessions with local health centers/NGOs.

Use social media and posters to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

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My name is Teiya Gilford and I live in the community of Blanchard. I attend the Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School. At my school I believe that bullying is a serious yet ignored issue.

My Proposal

To create a safer and more inclusive environment, I propose a community-wide "Kindness Campaign" focused on raising awareness, promoting empathy, and encouraging positive behavior.

What aspect of the challenge do I want to transform?
I want to reduce instances of bullying, especially cyber bullying, and foster a culture of kindness, respect, and support among students.

Who benefits?
Students, teachers, families, and neighbors all benefit from a safer, more respectful environment where everyone feels valued and protected.

Concrete actions:

- Monthly Kindness Challenges: Organize activities where students perform acts of kindness, such as complimenting classmates, helping others, or sharing positive messages. Recognize and celebrate these acts to reinforce good behavior.

- Workshops and Talks: Host interactive sessions for students, teachers, and parents on topics like empathy, conflict resolution, and the harmful effects of bullying. Use role-playing and stories to make these sessions engaging.

- Anti-Bullying Posters and Campaigns(see poster): Design eye-catching posters with anti-bullying messages to place around the school and community. Use social media to share stories of kindness and resilience, encouraging others to join the movement.

- Peer Support and Buddy Programs: Establish peer mentoring where older students or volunteers support younger students, listen to their concerns, and intervene in bullying situations.

- Anonymous Reporting Systems: Create a safe way for students to report bullying confidentially, such as suggestion boxes or online forms, ensuring victims and witnesses can seek help without fear.

- Involving Families and Community Leaders: Organize family nights or community events focused on kindness and respect, involving local leaders to endorse and participate in anti-bullying initiatives.

- School Policies and Consequences: Work with school authorities to review and strengthen anti-bullying policies, ensuring clear consequences and guidelines for addressing bullying behavior.

Existing resources and spaces:

School auditorium for workshops and meetings.

Social media platforms to spread awareness and share stories.

Local community centers to host events.

Expected results:
In the short term, increased awareness and decreased bullying incidents.
In the long term, a culture of kindness that empowers students to stand against bullying and support each other.

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Hello, my name is Xavi Galvez, and I am from San Jose Succotz, Cayo, Belize. I am currently attending Alvin L. Young Nazarene High School.

Challenge Overview:

In my community and school, I have noticed three main challenges:

Many people, especially adults, struggle to stop drinking alcohol.

Some individuals—both youth and adults—have trouble obeying rules.

People often fail to learn from their mistakes or to change negative habits.

After listening to members of my community, I learned that people drink to escape problems or to fit in, that they disobey rules to show power or independence, and that learning from mistakes can be difficult when facing repeated life struggles.

What Has Been Tried Before:

Local churches have hosted small group meetings encouraging people to avoid alcohol.

Schools have held “discipline weeks” to talk about rules and respect.

Some community elders have given talks about responsibility and making better choices.

However, these efforts are often short-term and lack youth involvement or follow-up.

Aspect I Want to Transform:

I want to transform the mindset of people in my community—especially the youth—so they understand that:

Drinking is not the only way to deal with pain.

Following rules shows strength and discipline, not weakness.

Learning from mistakes is a sign of maturity, not failure.

Who Will Benefit:

Youth will gain positive habits, self-control, and confidence.

Adults will learn healthier coping methods and become role models.

The community will benefit from reduced alcohol abuse, more respect, and stronger unity.

Proposed Solution:

I propose creating a Community Awareness and Support Program called “Rise Above” with three parts:

Monthly Talks & Workshops:

Invite teachers, counselors, police officers, and church leaders to speak about self-control, discipline, and the effects of alcohol.

Include real-life stories from recovered drinkers and successful community members.

Youth Leadership Club:

A school-based club where students organize awareness campaigns, drama skits, and posters showing the dangers of alcohol abuse and the power of good choices.

“Rise Above” Challenge Week:

A week dedicated to activities such as clean-ups, respect pledges, motivational art contests, and “No Alcohol Day” challenges to promote unity and responsibility.

Resources & People to Support This Idea:

Alvin L. Young Nazarene High School teachers and principal (for guidance and event space)

Local churches and community leaders (for speakers and mentors)

Police and social workers (for awareness talks)

Students and parents (to participate and encourage others)

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Rise Above Building A Strong And More Responsible Community

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The Hoax Threat Deterrence and Reporting Initiative

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The Hoax Threat Deterrence and Reporting Initiative

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Well, hello there, My name is Dacia Pike, and I am 17 years old. I reside in the beautiful land of Guyana and I'm a proud student of St. Rose's High school pursuing my studies at the CAPE level.Enough about me, let’s talk about the challenge that was once faced.

This proposal addresses the challenge of frequent bomb threats in schools, specifically drawing from the experience at St. Rose's High School in Georgetown, Guyana, where recurring hoax threats cause major disruption, fear, and the misallocation of vital emergency resources.

What aspect of the challenge do you want to transform?

I want to transform the prevalence of hoax threats and the resulting chaotic disruption into a culture of vigilance and preparedness, making it clear that a hoax is not a harmless prank but a serious crime.

Who would benefit from this change?

Students (safer learning environment, less trauma), teachers or staff (clearer protocols), law enforcement (fewer wasted resources), and the entire community (reduced public fear).

What concrete actions can be carried out from your school or community?

1. Launch a Digital Deterrence Campaign

2. Mandatory Educational Workshops led by a partnering police officer to detail the legal consequences of threats.

3. Establish an Anonymous Reporting System (a secure, dedicated text/email line) for students to report suspicious plans before they materialize.

What resources, people, or spaces already exist?

The existing school administration or counseling framework, school assembly halls for workshops, and the current strong partnership with the local law enforcement (as evidenced by their swift response).

What results do you expect in the short and long term?

Short Term: A noticeable reduction in hoax incidents due to increased student awareness of legal penalties and a safe, confidential avenue for reporting.

Long Term: A highly resilient school environment with minimal disruption during any future incident, fostering greater trust between students and authorities.

The sudden, jarring disruption of a bomb threat is a stark reality for students like me at St. Rose’s High School in Georgetown, Guyana. This was not an isolated incident; it was one of several hoax threats that plagued our major city schools in early 2023, demanding immediate evacuation and diverting massive police and fire services.

​

Clearly outlining the severe legal consequences (expulsion, criminal charges) of making a bomb threat, turning a perceived "prank" into a serious, high-risk endeavor for potential perpetrators.

​Education: Implement mandatory school workshops with local police to demystify the threat process and detail the cost of hoaxes to our community.

​Reporting: Establish a simple, confidential, and monitored Anonymous Reporting System so students can share information before a threat is made, protecting our school from within.

​We can't stop law enforcement from treating every call seriously, but we can stop the calls from being made. By combining legal clarity with student-led vigilance, we can protect our school and learning environment.

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Solution to reduce the overcrowded classrooms and staffrooms at Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School

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Solution to reduce the overcrowded classrooms and staffrooms at Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School

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Hello everyone, my name is DeYonce Anderson and I'm a grade 13 student at the Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School in Linden, Guyana. Let's get into what solutions can be made for overcrowded classrooms and staff rooms.

Proposal Idea - To reduce overcrowded classrooms and staffrooms at my school, The Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School

What solutions have been already been tried:

Teaching and classroom management

Scheduling and grouping tricks

Community & stakeholder engagement

What people or resources can you turn to:

School leadership and staff

Student Representatives

Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)

Ministry of Education of Guyana (MoE)

What aspect of the challenge do you want to perform:

To reduce classroom and staffroom crowding at Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School so that each class has no more than 30-35 students and the staffrooms afford comfortable workspace for the teacher

Who would benefit from this change and how:

Students – more attention from teachers, fewer distractions, improved learning outcomes.

Teachers & staff – less stress, better workspace, increased job satisfaction, better teaching.

School as a whole – improved performance, reputation, ability to attract/retain students and staff.

Community/parents – children getting better education; long-term benefit to Linden region.

Expected Results

Short Term:

Reduction in the number of students per class in the most overcrowded classes (say drop from 40+ to 30-35).

Improved teacher morale and fewer complaints of overcrowding.

Better use of existing spaces (staffrooms, classrooms) and fewer students or staff working in severely cramped conditions.

Some improvement in student engagement, fewer behavioral issues.

Increased parent/community involvement in the school’s infrastructure improvement.

Long Term:

A fully functional new or expanded CWSS facility (or replacement building) that can accommodate the enrolment comfortably (the new plan is for 1,000 students in 35 classrooms)

Lower student-teacher ratios, better teaching/learning environment, improved academic performance.

Sustainable infrastructure (classrooms, labs, staffrooms) with adequate maintenance.

Increased reputation of the school, perhaps attracting more resources/students.

A model in the community for solving overcrowding which could be shared with other schools.

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Green and Yellow Modern Overbuying Groceries Food Waste Infographic

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Challenge Identified: Whiskey (Rum) fungus damaging the surrounding 

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Challenge Identified: Whiskey (Rum) fungus damaging the surrounding 

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Hello everyone. This is Elizabeth De Jonge from Diamond New Scheme, Georgetown, Guyana. I am discussing the challenges faced by some members of my community due to the fumes released by Demerara Distillers Limited.

Solutions already tried

*Reduce the amount of fumes being released daily.

*Filter the fumes to be more environmentally friendly.

Proposal

Relocating the company to a less populated area in the country, such as the West Coast.

This will aid in the reduction of damaged property and trees in the surrounding due to the reduction of gaseous emissions.

This idea can join the efforts of individuals who regularly or occasionally clean up their surroundings, as it allows their work to show more progress and helps them to better appreciate their community's environment. Similarly, reforestation by the authorities and families will promote better air quality, as the leading cause of pollution has been removed. Lastly, awareness that was spread through educated personnel such as students and teachers will further aid in the progression of a greener community, as members of the community are informed of the harm the fumes cause to our property, our belongings, and family time.

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CHALLENGE: THE NEED FOR HEALTH CARE IN BELIZE

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CHALLENGE: THE NEED FOR HEALTH CARE IN BELIZE

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MY PROPOSAL:

(1) It is necessary to have infrastructure development in rural areas of Belize so that the people who live in those areas can access medical attention quickly rather than drive for an hour to receive proper care.

(2) Scholarships by providing scholarships to students who wish to become general or specialized doctors benefits the community in the long run. Not only are you funding someone who will contribute to the community, but you are creating opportunities where students can go abroad and learn medical practices and information that are country currently doesn't have. It will diminish the need for general doctors as the waiting time would be much shorter. Having specialized doctors in Belize is really important as they can help people who are in a much critical condition with what the doctor would be specialized in.

(3) Hiring doctors from abroad- this is already happening in our country we have doctors from Cuba and other close countries. However, there is still a need for medical practitioners who have gained knowledge from other countries where they studied.

(4) The acquisition of new equipment- Many times Belize doesn't have the necessary equipment to properly treat their patients. There is a need for new equipment which can help treat patients.

(5) Treatment options- Belize has limited treatment options for some illnesses. This goes hand in hand with the need for new equipment. We lack the necessary resources to treat patients with rare illnesses.

(6) Funding- nothing can be done without the necessary funding. The Inter-American Development Bank, UNICEF, European Union and others have contributed with funding for improving the health care system in Belize.

The aspect of healthcare that I want to transform is the accessibility of treatment options and professional help for patients. This will benefit all Belizeans as they would have access to healthcare and the necessary treatments to heal. As a community we can all respectfully express our need when it comes to healthcare by social media interaction where we can share our personal experiences. We can also receive professional advice from doctors who have an online platform. I hope that this initiative inspires others to share their experience and that we in Belize may be able to receive the necessary help. The long-term goal of this proposal is for all Belizeans and immigrants who reside in Belize that they may be able to get treated in the country they consider their home.

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The challenge I identified:

My name is Delly-Ann Joseph, and I’m from Linden, Guyana. At my school, the Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School, fights have become a norm, often starting from small misunderstandings or provocative social media posts.

Proposal: To reduce violence and conflicts within the school environment, specifically, My school, the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School

What solutions have already been tried

Counseling sessions

A prefect system where students from older grades are put in classes to help maintain discipline.

What people or resources can you turn to

School counselors and teachers.

Student prefects.

Ministry of Education

1. Conduct Monthly Peer Talk Sessions
These sessions would allow students to come together and openly discuss issues that often lead to conflicts, such as gossip, misunderstandings, or social media arguments. Each session could be guided by a teacher, counselor, or trained peer leader to ensure discussions remain respectful. The aim is to provide students with a safe space to express themselves.

2. Encourage Prefects to Take Active Leadership Roles During Break and After School
Prefects can play an important role in maintaining peace and order when teachers are not present. Prefects could also patrol key areas like corridors, canteens, and school gates to ensure safety and serve as positive examples for their peers.

3. Involve Parents
Parents play a crucial role in shaping students’ behavior. The school can organize meetings or workshops to help parents understand the importance of emotional education, monitoring their children’s social media use, and reinforcing positive behavior at home.

This way, students would be informed both at home and in school.

My idea can join the efforts of students, teachers, families, and authorities in ways that students can take part in peer talk, teachers can help in guiding discussions, monitoring students, and encouraging calm communication, families can reinforce peaceful behavior at home and attend meetings on managing conflict and authorities, such as the Ministry of Education, can continue promoting their “Zero Tolerance for Bullying” https://newsroom.gy/2025/09/19/education-ministry-reaffirms-zero-tolerance-for-bullying-investigating-recent-incidents/

policy to support schools.

Students will enjoy a safer and friendlier school environment, while teachers can teach without disruptions.

Expected results:

Short term: Fewer fights and better communication among students.

Long term: A culture of peace, respect, and self-control within the school.

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My Solution to Lack of Classroom Resources at Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, Linden, Guyana

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My Solution to Lack of Classroom Resources at Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, Linden, Guyana

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My name is Aneesa Algernon, and I am a Grade 13 student at Christianburg Wismar Secondary School. I care deeply about creating a better learning environment for everyone at my school. I noticed that many students struggle to learn effectively because there aren’t enough textbooks, and much of our classroom furniture is damaged. To help solve this, I developed an idea that encourages teamwork, sharing, and responsibility among students, teachers, and the wider community.

Proposal Idea

The project focuses on improving learning conditions by providing more textbooks and repairing damaged classroom furniture.

A school-wide book and furniture drive will collect gently used books and classroom items from students, parents, and community members.

Volunteer repair sessions will be held to fix broken desks, chairs, and shelves so they can be reused.

A shared library will be created where students can borrow and return textbooks fairly.

A student maintenance team will help monitor classrooms, report damages, and encourage others to care for school property.

A community awareness campaign using posters and social media will promote sharing, responsibility, and pride in our school.

Who Benefits and How

Students: Gain access to the textbooks they need and enjoy safer, more comfortable classrooms.

Teachers: Can teach more effectively when students are properly equipped and classrooms are well maintained.

School Community: Builds teamwork, pride, and a stronger sense of responsibility.

Parents and Supporters: Have the opportunity to contribute positively to improving education for all students.

Who Can Join

Students: Participate in donation drives, repairs, and awareness campaigns.

Teachers: Help organize, supervise, and guide student activities.

Parents and Community Members: Donate books, furniture, or repair tools.

Local Businesses and Alumni: Provide materials, sponsorships, or technical assistance for repairs.

Expected Results

Short-term: Cleaner classrooms, repaired furniture, and increased access to textbooks.

Long-term: A sustainable culture of sharing, care, and teamwork that improves school spirit and academic performance at Christianburg Wismar Secondary School.

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Solutions to resolve the challenges stated of Berbice High school.

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Solutions to resolve the challenges stated of Berbice High school.

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Hello there, my name is Stephaney Nicole Indardat. I am 17 years old, and I live in region Number 6; in the community of Kilcoy/ Chesney, in the beautiful country of Guyana. I am currently pursuing my studies at CAPE level at Berbice High School. Now let's dive into some of the things we can do to better the problems faced at this school.

First, we're going to start off with how we can improve the situation of the washroom, as this is the most pressing issue. Now these ideas that I will propose are not exactly expert opinion, but only of what I think may be best to improve the situation and separates entirely of what have already been some of the approaches.

The old toilet bowls, sinks, broken cisterns, and plumbing systems should be replaced and repaired to ensure that everything is in good working conditions.

Privacy can be added by putting on working locks, small ventilations to release bad odor and reduce the humidity from within the restroom.

Soap dispensers can be added, tissues, bins all for the sake of proper sanitation and to promote hygiene.

Low- flow faucets a dual- flush cisterns can be installed to conserve water and prevent overflows in sinks.

A system should be set up whereby, students can report issues anonymously when someone defaces, damages or intentionally left the washroom without cleaning after use.

Some ways in which this situation was handled before are having boys talk and girls talk in ways of promoting good hygiene and keeping washrooms clean, adding posters and daily reminders. these approaches did not work, and it proved to be ineffective. I do hope that the proposals I made can better this situation.

The school's canteen does not have many options to choose from. How can be manage this situation? Let's view our proposals.

Conducting a survey to get students' and teachers' preferences on what they think or would want to be sold at the canteen. Because after all, these are the very consumers that purchase from them. I believe they should have a choice in what they buy.

Rotating a weekly menu. This is where a meal is prepared for a certain day. For example, on Mondays cook- up rice with fried chicken and potato salad can be old, and on Tuesdays a next meal. However, one meal option is not necessarily a good idea, but two to three meal options can be done per day.

The school's canteen can partner with local vendors to get fresh fruits every day to be sold for breakfast or whenever time of day a consumer wishes to buy it. Also, they should partner with local cook shops, that can cook tasty, affordable food so that they can sell that food in their canteen, and in this way, better the situation where complaints are being made about the tasteless food. More beverages can be considered to be sold also, to widen the scope of choices available, and the snack selection of course. A student may have preference over a snack he/ she loves but may not be available at the canteen. This can be resolved by simply introducing more snacks.

A daily menu can be made to display items sold on a daily basis, so that students can have better knowledge of what is being sold.

Nothing has ever been done to resolve the canteen situation, because students were too meek to come forward, and hadn't someone to voice their concerns.

The school's garbage collection is being delayed occasionally. There isn't a fixed time on when garbage should be picked up. Sometimes they pick it up in a week, sometimes less, sometimes more. Here are some solutions to this.

Set a schedule: a fixed date should be set on when it is convenient for both the school and garbage collecting company to pick up the waste. This way they might not miss a day, or in other words, can be held accountable for their absence.

Add a Liaison: a person from the school should be appointed to communicate with the garbage company to give reminders and be notified when they cannot make it. This way, they can have a better relationship and know the reasons why the garbage company may be absent.

A temporary storage area should be set up, in the event if the company cannot make it for a week, the garbage can be stored there so it cannot affect students nor teachers, and it would not be Infront of the school's entrance.

Engaging the Local Authorities; if the pattern of absenteeism continues, the local authorities in charge of this department can be notified and together rectify the situation.

So how can we achieve these?

Simply by cooperating and supporting these ideas and together let our voices be one. Support the movement, do not critic but accept and appreciate. Students, teachers and parents can come together to propose more ideas to resolve conflicts within the school.

Who are we going to get help from this:

Teachers can help to organize teams in the school to tackle one problem each. This way we divide and conquer.

The government can help with donations to replace and repair.

Parents can come together and offer skills in respective fields to ease the financial burden.

Students can also help in watching out for those who violate these concerns and damage and deface.

This proposal is made to better the challenges at Berbice high school. Working together, with a little help from the outside can resolve these situations and make life better for all.

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Challenge:Bullying at Choiseul Secondary School

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Challenge:Bullying at Choiseul Secondary School

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Proposal to Address Bullying at Choiseul Secondary School

Proposed Change:I want to propose a school-wide anti-bullying campaign and a peer support system to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.

What Solutions Have Already Been Tried?

From what I’ve seen, the school has already tried talking to students about bullying through assemblies and people coming in . But it doesn’t seem like there’s a consistent follow-up, and students sometimes don’t take the messages seriously. Some students also feel there’s nowhere they can go if they’re being bullied.

My Proposal:

1. Anti-Bullying Campaign (Student-Led):
I, Darren Vitte from Saint Lucia, propose starting a student-led campaign that involves everyone in the school — including teachers and parents. The campaign would include creating posters, social media posts, and short videos about what bullying looks like, how it affects others, and how we can stop it. Having students take the lead would make it more relatable and impactful.

2. Peer Support Groups:Set up groups of students, trained by teachers or counselors, who could act as “peer supporters.” These students would be the ones others could talk to if they feel bullied or isolated. They’d help guide younger students and ensure everyone knows where to report bullying safely.

3. Kindness Week” Events

Once a term, we could hold a “fun Week” with activities like fun sports,scavenger hunt , or workshops on how to treat others with respect since i think the best way is your students to interact with each other.

4. More Involvement from Parents and Teachers:Teachers should be trained to spot signs of bullying early and intervene immediately. Parents should be involved by getting regular updates on anti-bullying efforts, and they should help spread the message at home.

How Could This Be Achieved?

If more people joined this idea, we could make a huge impact. Teachers and parents can help organize and run the campaign, while students can help by spreading the message and getting involved in activities. Everyone in the school would need to be on board for it to work. A strong team of students, teachers, and parents working together can create a culture where bullying is less likely to happen.

Who Could Help?

Teachers: Help organize campaigns and be trained on how to spot and handle bullying.

Guidance Counselors: Train peer supporters and help students who are affected by bullying.

Local Organizations: Partner with NGOs or government programs focused on youth and anti-bullying for resources or funding.

Parents:Get involved by supporting the campaign and reinforcing positive behavior at home.

How It Can Join Efforts:By combining the efforts of students, teachers, families, and the wider community, this campaign could spread beyond the school. Parents can help reinforce the message at home, while teachers can ensure that the values of respect and kindness are practiced in the classroom. If everyone works together, bullying will become less accepted and less likely to happen.

poster image here

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iVFSh__YGFVX69O2QW0rcQNZtp7l6LZ791F0WZoVdTg/edit?usp=sharing

References Used:

* Previous school assemblies and anti-bullying activities

* Local community reports and research from organizations like UNICEF on anti-bullying strategies

* Conversations with teachers and students about bullying experiences

This proposal is a way to make Choiseul Secondary School a safer place for everyone. If we work together, we can make a positive change!

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What change would you like to suggest in your school or community based on the challenge you have identified? How could this be achieved if more people joined your idea?

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What change would you like to suggest in your school or community based on the challenge you have identified? How could this be achieved if more people joined your idea?

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Think about the challenge you identified and design a realistic and creative proposal to improve it in your school or community.

Do some research beforehand:

What solutions have already been tried?

Who or what resources could you turn to?

Share your proposal creatively. Remember to include your name and country in your post. Choose one of the following options:

Adapted image or digital poster.

Drawing or photo with explanation.

Short audio or video.

Explain how your idea can join the efforts of students, teachers, families, neighbors or authorities.

Always include reference to the sources you used (data, news, testimony, interview).

Read and comment on at least three proposals from others:

Would you like that to happen in your community?

What would you add or change to adapt it to your context?

What did each one make you feel or think?