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Timmy Turtle and the Litterbugs

ISWMP

Author Susan Haynes-Elcock introduces some primary school students to Timmy Turtle at the storybook launch. Author, Susan Haynes-Elcock and the Solid Waste Project Unit have introduced another friend - Timmy Turtle - to help children learn about proper solid waste management. It was the fulfillment of a 20-year dream for the author to produce a book for children and another opportunity for the Solid Waste Project to continue educating the nation’s youth in a way that is fun, creative and just like its fore runner the Solid Waste Colouring and Activities Book - typically Barbadian. The occasion was the launch of the “Timmy Turtle and the Litterbugs” storybook at the Turtle Beach Resort to representatives of primary schools, the public and private sector – all partners in the effort to effect proper solid waste management in Barbados. As Minister of Health, Dr. Jerome Walcott highlighted, the book speaks of the dangers of littering and illegal dumping to the health of people and the natural environment. There is also an activity section which teaches children about composting including how to build a composter and how to make compost and much more. Ms. Haynes-Elcock stressed that as an educator, it was her firm belief that one of the best ways of imparting knowledge is through training and educating young people. “As a writer, I endeavour to create literature which will teach, create an environment for children to develop and strengthen their reading skills and at the same time become more knowledgeable on topical issues which will affect their lives,” she said. It is expected that the storybook will definitely be a valuable addition to the classroom teaching aids from the start of the next school year since the books will be distributed to all primary schools in Barbados.