The Schools Environment Programme (SEP) is Jamaica's largest environmental education programme, now in its 13th year. Implemented by JET and other civil society groups with the support of the Ministry of Education and private sector donors, SEP has been delivered in over 350 Jamaican schools, reaching some 300,000 students and 600 teachers. Participating schools carry out activities in four main areas: Managing garbage; greening of school grounds; strengthening or establishing an environmental club and environmental research. SEP also delivers professional development workshops for teachers twice every year. Achievements in schools are celebrated at an annual awards ceremony every year.

Winner of the Schools’ Environment Programme 2008/2009 St. Hugh's Prep

Copyright Hugh Wright

The Schools Environment Programme (SEP) began in the 1997/8 academic year, when two non-government organizations (NGOs), the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) and the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) joined forces to lead an island-wide, coordinated environmental education programme, along with eight other NGOs. Both NGOs had been conducting environmental education activities separately, but realized there were benefits to be gained from collaboration. In 2002, JCDT relinquished lead agency status, and SEP has been led by JET since then.

At its peak in 2002/3, SEP reached 345 schools, 280,000 students and 550 teachers. Funding constraints have led to contraction over the years, and in the 2008/9 academic year, SEP was delivered in 180 schools around the island.

Sadly, we have insufficient funds in 2010 to deliver this important programme. We are currently rethinking and redesigning our school based environmental education programme.