For immediate release

Source: Future Centre Trust (FCT)

Contact: Ms Nicole Garofano +1 246 836 6163

info@futurecentretrust.org

Bridgetown, Barbados (September 23, 2011)

GUARDIAN LIFE RECEIVES CLIMATE CHANGE MATERIALS

Children in Trinidad & Tobago to benefit from children’s learning environmental learning series

In recognition of World Literacy Day, the Future Centre Trust (FCT) made a presentation to the team at the offices of Guardian Life of the Caribbean, Barbados, of some forty children’s books. These books would then be available for further distribution to the Fondes Amandes Community Re-Forestation Project (FARCP) in Trinidad. The books, part of the Bri and Luk Climate Change Learning Series, were offered to Guardian Life of the Caribbean to assist and to highlight the company’s Wildlife Fund which assists environmental stewardship in the region.

Ms Nicole Garofano, Administrative Director of the FCT, creator of the series and author of the book, says she was delighted to be able to contribute some of the copies to the organisation. “Guardian Life assisted the FCT in the 2010 Clean Up Barbados Campaign and it is our pleasure to offer a small contribution here today to express our thanks,” highlighted the Director. “Also to see the book being introduced in neighbouring countries highlights the applicability of the content,” says Garofano. ‘When I wrote the book,” she added, “it was written with the Caribbean in mind. This regional perspective was supported by the British High Commission of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean who funded the development of the series, and by the Paloma Charitable Trust who funded the printing of this edition of Book 1 in the series. Climate change and its impacts on the region are real and are taking place as we speak. Here we have partners who understand this and are willing to provide their assistance to raise awareness of the issue.”

Receiving the books shown here, is Ms Beverley Als, Sales Representative of Guardian Life of the Caribbean in Barbados.

Ms Als was impressed with the style of the book and enjoyed its characters. “The children who visit the FARCP will enjoy receiving these and we look forward to seeing more from the series in the future”, says Ms Als. Mr Armado Marcano, local Branch Manager who was also present, referred to the Wildlife Fund at the handing over ceremony indicating this type of series could compliment the resources of those which are currently available under the funds’ mandate.

The Future Centre Trust is now developing the second book in the series thanks also to continued support from the British High Commission, in addition to an animated DVD of the storybook, with additional funding for this aspect provided by the US Embassy. Also available is a puppet show with the same characters. “The series is such that each level of Primary School from Infants A through to Class 4 would have some reference to use which related to climate change. There is limited content in the region for primary school age children with a regional focus on the subject. My hope is for this series to help provide these much needed climate related tools in the future,” says Ms Garofano.

About Future Centre Trust

The Future Centre Trust is an environmental Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) and registered charity providing environmental education to the public of Barbados. Its mission is “To stimulate awareness and encourage responsible management of the vital relationship between people and nature leading to a sustainable future for all”. This is achieved through various programmes, activities and presentations to the community which are included and highlighted at www.futurecentretrust.org.  ENDS