A new creative educational initiative focused on sustainable tourism and ocean conservation is now open to students across Dominica, launched in a collaborative effort between the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Foundation and the Discover Dominica Authority.
Now in its annual iteration, the dual-format 2026 FCCA Foundation Children’s Essay and Poster Competition is designed to engage young people in conversations about environmental stewardship and the future of cruise tourism, while providing a platform to showcase their creative, research and critical thinking capabilities. Unlike standard classroom assignments, the competition invites students to connect their local knowledge to global sustainability goals, bridging youth engagement and the Caribbean region’s vital tourism economy.
This year’s competition splits creative expression across two distinct tracks with targeted themes. For essay participants, the prompt asks: “What are a few unique things a cruise passenger can enjoy only when visiting my destination?” Through this question, organizers encourage students to highlight Dominica’s one-of-a-kind natural attractions, cultural experiences and hidden gems, while also reflecting on how sustainable practices are essential to preserving these assets for future generations of both visitors and locals.
The parallel poster competition carries a different focus, centered on the theme “Ocean Protection Starts with Us.” This track invites young artists to translate their understanding of marine conservation into visual storytelling, emphasizing the critical role that individual and community action plays in protecting Caribbean coastal and ocean ecosystems that underpin the island’s cruise tourism industry.
To ensure fair judging across age groups, both competitions are segmented into two divisions: the Junior Division, open to students aged 12 and under, and the Senior Division, for participants aged 13 to 16. The prize structure rewards both individual achievement and school-wide impact, with identical rewards across both age categories. First-place individual winners take home a new laptop, while their respective schools receive a $3,000 grant. Second-place winners earn a touchscreen device, paired with a $1,500 award for their school, and third-place winners receive a touchscreen device and a $1,000 grant for their institution.
All essay submissions are required to be 500 words in English, aligned to the competition theme, and submitted through participants’ schools. Hard copy entries must be delivered to the Discover Dominica Authority offices, located on the ground and first floors of Marpin House, 5–7 Great Marlborough Street in Roseau, by the submission deadline of Friday, October 23, 2026. Results will be notified to winners and their schools via the Discover Dominica Authority by Friday, December 4, 2026.
A joint press release from the two organizing bodies notes that the competition is part of the FCCA Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting educational and environmental initiatives across the Caribbean. Beyond engaging youth, the program works to strengthen collaborative ties between regional tourism destinations and the global cruise sector, aligning industry growth with conservation and community development goals.
Students, educators and parents seeking additional details, including full competition guidelines, can reach the Discover Dominica Authority by phone at 255-8221 or via email at [email protected].