Energy-saving light bulbs and safety kits are the latest additions to Sea Cows Bay schools that are part of a pilot programme to make schools more disaster ready and environmentally friendly.

 

The new bulbs were installed at the Seventh-day Adventist School, the school found to be consuming the most energy during a recent energy audit, according to a government press release.

DDM Deputy Director Evangeline Inniss said in the release that in addition to saving the school money on electricity bills, students will see better with the new bulbs.

“This type of lighting provides an improved colour rendering when compared to the fluorescent type bulbs that are common in most schools in the BVI,” she said, adding,  “Studies have shown that this enhanced colour created by the LED bulbs results in better student performance and improved information retention.”

SDA School Principal Wade Tobin confirmed that the lights are more pleasant.

“The LED lights, which are noticeably whiter and softer on the eyes, are providing a more aesthetically pleasing light quality that teachers and administrators alike very much appreciate,” Mr. Tobin said in the release, adding that school officials plan to use the savings on their electricity costs to “invest into programmes and tools that will further enhance our students’ education.”

Safety kits were presented to all three SCB schools participating in the SMART School pilot project: SDA, Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, and Little Lighthouse Child Development Centre.

Each safety kit consists of a durable rolling backpack with essential items for responding to emergency or crisis situations on campus and can be used by teachers during school evacuations or field trips, according to a press release.

{fcomment}