U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “Authority”) is proud to announce its participation last week in the annual Week of the Young Child™, a nationwide celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  The event which is designed to raise awareness around the importance of early childhood education took place from April 10-16, 2023.

As part of the Authority’s commitment to the Virgin Islands community, team members from WAPA volunteered at the Eulalie R. Rivera and Lew Muckle Elementary schools on St. Croix, where students were taught about water conservation, electrical safety, line worker careers and what WAPA’s function is within the territory.  Part of the WAPA’s presentation involved lineworkers showcasing the different features and capabilities of its bucket trucks, which are used to service most of the island’s electrical poles.  More than 500 students were in attendance between both schools.

"At the Authority, we understand the importance of investing in our future by investing in our children," noted Shanell Petersen, Director of Corporate Communications at the Authority.  "By supporting the Week of the Young Child, we hope to help ensure that every child in our community has access to high-quality early education experiences that set them up for a lifetime of success."

The Authority would like to extend a special thank you to our dedicated WAPA volunteers including Administrative Assistant, Shania Lynch, and Lineworkers Juan Velez Jr. and Michael Edwards Jr.  Additionally, none of this would be possible without the efforts of the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) to whom the Authority extends sincere thanks for the invitation to participate.  

For students who were unable to physically attend, a 5-minute video was shared with those school through VIDE, which can be found on WAPA’s social media pages that dives into the Authority’s organizational structure, career opportunities and the future of electrical vehicles and renewable energy in the territory.

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.

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