Beyond the Bell: Part 9 – “Island Herbal Meds”
As we conclude our blog series on the diverse afterschool programs offered by Cane Bay Cares’ Operation Inspire, we’re thrilled to spotlight “Island Herbal Meds”, one of the nine incredible offerings in this year’s lineup. This hands-on, nature-focused program introduces students to the rich tradition of natural remedies rooted in Caribbean culture and is being offered to 5th and 6th graders at Ricardo Richards Elementary School.
Through hands-on projects, research and engaging lessons students are learning the importance of plants in health, wellness, and everyday life.
Why Teach About Herbal Medicine in an Afterschool Program?
Science, history, and resourcefulness are creatively blended into “Island Herbal Meds” to keep students engaged and challenged. program is particularly valuable for fostering creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking through hands-on experiential learning, while preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. It also supports emotional and social development by creating an environment where students are working together on projects building their teamwork, communication, and collaborations skills.
What does the program cover?
Students are learning how to recognize medicinal plants like aloe, lemongrass, basil, and mint and understand the growing conditions these plants need to thrive by making scientific connections. They’re exploring the uses of herbs for common ailments such as colds, headaches, and minor cuts, gaining hands-on experience in measuring, mixing, and creating finished products. Additionally, students are unlocking creativity by designing herbal labels and packaging for the remedies they create. They also get to participate in cultural and historical lessons by engaging with local herbalists and elders to learn stories about traditional island remedies.
The “Island Herbal Meds” program, like all of Operation Inspire’s initiatives, reflects our commitment to creating impactful afterschool experiences. We believe offering project-based programs like Recycle, Reduce, Reuse; Outer Space & Planet Earth; Sound Garden; “Kidpreneurs” on the Rise; Healthy Eating Around the World; Coconut Creations: Health & Art Adventures; Achieving STEAM with Upcycling; and The Art of Persuasion in an afterschool setting provides students with an enriching, multifaceted experience that nurtures their minds, bodies, and spirits while keeping them connected to the world as they develop 21st century skills.
We hope this “Beyond the Bell” series has offered you a glimpse into how these programs enrich the lives of students, fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning. Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for supporting Operation Inspire as we continue to make a difference, one program at a time!
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Cane Bay Cares is a service initiative of St. Croix-based Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP. Cane Bay Cares was established after three strong hurricanes, including two Category 5 storms, Irma and Maria, caused much damage to St. Croix during September 2017. The initiative has a goal of providing relief to the citizens of St. Croix. To make this possible, we have partnered with St. Croix Foundation, which is a 501c3 nonprofit that was established in 1990. All donations to Cane Bay Cares are donations to St. Croix Foundation and are 100% tax deductible.
Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP was formed in June 2009 and founded by internationally experienced business executives with many years of experience in the financial services industry. Focusing our efforts primarily in the financial services industry, our management consulting practice specializes in providing services to clients in need of sophisticated risk management models, debt collections organizations which require liquidation models and analytics, and portfolio management companies desiring a variety of services.
Since 1990, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development has been advancing holistic community development as a pathway to economic prosperity, self-sufficiency, and sustainability. Established in the wake of Hurricane Hugo, today the Foundation is one of the premier place-based philanthropic leaders in the Virgin Islands. Having served as the conduit of over $37 million private and public sector dollars invested into the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Foundation’s impact has netted national recognition in almost every priority area – from economic development and community revitalization to public health, education reform, and nonprofit development. Our mission is to encourage greater philanthropic activity, to marshal resources, and to act as a catalyst to benefit the people of the Virgin Islands.