PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of its ongoing educational effort, the foundation Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has brought on two student interns to promote conservation through an eco-marketing campaign.
Rosie Slayter, who was born and raised on St. Maarten, has returned to work on designs for marketing purposes, creating products with a conservation theme and updating social media and brochures. Bavo Soer will be executing all projects in the production department such as filming and editing short films, animations, and photography.
They are studying International Media and Entertainment Management at Breda University in the Netherlands. This program allows for three different specialties which are content, marketing and production – Rosie chose to specialize in marketing whereas Bavo’s passion lies in production. They hope that with their different skillsets, they can contribute to EPIC’s mission of protecting the environment in a unique and successful way.
Bavo is from Breda, where he lived for most of his childhood until he moved to Zeeland. Once he turned 18, he chose to continue his studies back in Breda where he further developed his production skills and his passion grew. After obtaining an MBO diploma in Media Graphic Design with a specialty in Audio Visuals (AV) he went on to his HBO diploma at Breda University where he again specialized in AV.
Rosie was born and raised in St. Maarten, leaving to further her studies in the Netherlands at Breda University. Leaving the island was very difficult for Rosie, as it is for most people who continue their education in other countries. She returned home with Bavo for the following summer and left for the start of their second year of university two days before Irma struck, which destroyed her family’s business–The Butterfly Farm. Both students were heartbroken with the destruction of the island, so decided to return to St. Maarten for their internships and contribute to the recovery effort.
Choosing EPIC for their work placement was a very easy choice for them both; Rosie remembered the organization fondly from their presentations at school and Bavo was excited to be a part of protecting the island. They wanted their internship to be more than just work placement, they wanted to be a part of something which helped to improve the island, making EPIC the perfect place for them.
They will create engaging content for the foundation to use in marketing and at events, execute fundraising opportunities, spread awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, and more. Additionally, as part of an ongoing partnership, they will have the opportunity to work with the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) on upcoming events such as the St. Maarten Innovation Initiative Industries Link-up Event (SMILE) and the Crystal Pineapple Awards. You can follow all EPIC activities and see recently produced films on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/epicislands/.
