Environmental nonprofit Good Humans 268 Inc. has launched a Summer Internship Programme aimed at equipping young people with practical skills in administration, operations, and marketing and communications, while advancing climate action across Antigua and Barbuda.
According to Antigua News Room, the organisation designed the programme to give students real-world experience beyond the classroom, preparing them for future careers while supporting environmental initiatives nationwide.
Good Humans 268 founder Joshuanette Francis said tackling environmental challenges demands more than academic qualifications alone. "Real-world experience builds confidence in ways that textbooks cannot," Francis said. "It teaches problem-solving, accountability, adaptability, and professionalism."
The new programme builds on the organisation's existing Student Community Service Recycling Project, which has engaged thousands of students over the past three years. Participants have helped divert millions of recyclable items from the nation's landfill, while developing leadership, teamwork and organisational skills in the process.
Francis emphasised that environmental protection depends on people working across a wide range of roles. "Every email answered, every spreadsheet updated, every recyclable item catalogued, every photograph taken, and every social media post published contributes to a larger mission of building a cleaner, more sustainable Antigua and Barbuda," she said.
The organisation noted that administration, operations and communications are critical to the success of environmental programmes, ensuring projects are managed effectively and that public participation is actively encouraged.
Francis also highlighted the particular urgency of the issue for Antigua and Barbuda as a small island developing state, citing growing pressures including climate change, stronger storms, rising temperatures and increasing waste generation. She argued that preparing young people to respond to those challenges cannot wait until after graduation.
"The answer cannot be after graduation. It must begin now," Francis said.
The internship aims to expose participants to nonprofit management, environmental stewardship, project coordination and communications, while helping them identify potential career paths. Francis said participants may leave the programme with stronger professional skills, greater confidence or a renewed interest in environmental management and community leadership.
"Perhaps the next great climate leader, nonprofit executive, environmental educator, or community organizer is simply waiting for an opportunity to begin," she said.
Good Humans 268 said the initiative reflects the organisation's conviction that investing in young people is one of the most effective strategies for strengthening climate action and building more resilient communities.
