Throughout the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) and Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) programs, we evaluate each phase of the mangrove education and restoration process to better understand how students are learning, growing, and connecting with their coastal environments.

Before the programs begin, students share what they already know about mangroves and how they feel about them. As the program progresses, we continue to gather feedback to see how their knowledge evolves from identifying mangrove species and understanding food webs to recognizing the role mangroves play in coastal protection and climate change mitigation.

But the surveys go beyond science content.

We also ask students how their attitudes and behaviors are shifting. Do they feel more responsible for protecting mangroves? Are they more interested in science and conservation? Have they started taking actions at home or school to reduce waste, conserve energy, or protect the environment?

By the end of the program, we invite students to reflect in their own words, sharing what stood out to them, what they learned, and how the experience may shape their future choices.

One of my favorite parts of the program each year is reading those written responses. They are thoughtful, honest, and often inspiring.

Below, you’ll find a selection of student reflections from the final survey. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I do.