Charity champions sustainable farming at rural high school

A new wave of sustainable agriculture is taking root at Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School, where the Legacy Foundation has unveiled an innovative aquaponics system and livestock housing-empowering students with hands-on skills for a greener, more self-sufficient future.

The foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Ltd., on Friday launched the second phase of its New Growth Aquaponics and Farming Project at the Blackmans, St Joseph school.

This initiative was marked by the official handover of a modern aquaponics system and livestock housing to the school. The project, which builds upon the success of its first phase at Ellerton Primary School in St George, integrates hands-on agricultural science with cross-curricular learning to equip students with real-world skills in sustainability, business, and technical trades.

Speaking at the launch, principal Major Andrew Skeete expressed profound appreciation for the project’s potential to enhance the school’s agricultural education.

He said: “We are deeply grateful for this timely and transformative investment in our school’s agricultural programme as it augments our current small stock programme. We see this project as one encouraging sustainability [and] development, that not only supports the food production, but it also introduces our students to sustainable farming, innovation and entrepreneurship – critical skills for the now, yes, but also for tomorrow.”

Chair of the Legacy Foundation, Ayo Burrowes. (SB)

Major Skeete added: “The installation of the aquaponic system and livestock housing is much more than a physical upgrade. This project is a statement of belief in the power of hands-on education, commonly referred to as experiential learning, and the value of vocational learning, in the potential of our young people.”

Ayo Burrowes, chair of the Legacy Foundation, emphasised the broader societal significance of the initiative. “It marks a milestone in our journey to inspire and empower the next generation of Barbadians by equipping them with skills that not only transform their lives but also positively impact our society now and for years to come.”

Burrowes explained that the project would expose students to modern, sustainable agricultural practices, but more importantly, would introduce them to connecting skills that agriculture.

She said: “One of the most exciting aspects of this project is how it reaches beyond agricultural science and integrates other parts of the school curriculum. For example, students in business studies will be able to apply their knowledge by managing the financial and operational aspects of the farm. They will learn critical business skills from budgeting and inventory management to marketing and sales. The hands-on experience would teach students about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, planning, providing them with real-world skills that extend far beyond their classrooms.”

Principal Major Andrew Skeete. (SB)

The Ministry of Agriculture is also keen on supporting the school’s agricultural development, as Permanent Secretary Terry Bascombe announced that Grantley Adams Memorial would soon be the recipient of a greenhouse under the government’s Climate-Smart Technology Programme.

“This is a massive structure; [the] greenhouse is measuring 106 feet by 25 feet,” he said, adding that under the project, 30 greenhouses will be rolled out in various areas, including schools.

The Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation will initially manage the first crops as part of a proof-of-concept phase. (SB)