SEP gets Financial Support from the Private Sector

The Schools’ Environment Programme (SEP) which faced closure at the beginning of the 2006/7 school year due to lack of funding was given a cash injection of over J$2 million by the Sandals and Beaches Resort’s “Champions for the Environment” initiative with promises of further contributions over a five year period.  This is in addition to a J$7 million contribution by the Education Transformation Team of the Ministry of Education and Youth in December 2006. 

Launched on February 9^th, 2007, “Champions for the Environment,” is endorsed by 100m world record holder, Asafa Powell and supported by Bashco, First Caribbean International Bank, National Commercial Bank, Sesame Street Workshop and WATA.  Other SEP sponsors are Citigroup, Industrial Gases Ltd., Jamaica Energy Partners, Jamaica Producers Group,  Ministry of Education and Youth, Nestle Jamaica Ltd., Toyota Jamaica Ltd., US Embassy and West Indies Alumina Company. 

The theme for the day was “Coral Reefs.”  The Jamaica Environment Trust and SEP schools Churchill Primary in Hanover, Negril All Age in Westmoreland, and Sandy Bay Primary and Junior High in Hanover mounted displays of models and posters on coral reefs.  Negril All Age also did a skit on coral reefs. 

Patrick Lynch, Director of Finance and Planning for the Sandals chain, praised the Schools’ Environment Programme.  He said, “I am very pleased to be a part of this initiative.  The children are learning positive skills, attitudes and habits that will carry them through life.  I am now convinced that if we are going to make an impact in Jamaica, we have to start with them.” 

CEO of JET Diana McCaulay said, “I am grateful for the support given by Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and the other private sector companies who were a part of this initiative.  I look forward to everyone’s continued support of SEP.”