SPORTS, TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE & CULTURE

Paula Roberts; Geography teacher, Ms. Karen Haynes; English teacher, Ileathea Cabral; Social Studies and Spanish teacher, Dr. Janil Gore Francis; Plant Protection Officer, Ms. Adeola Matthews , Mathematics, Science and students.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, on Tuesday launched at the Trinity Academy on Christia's succession planning strategy to seek emerging professionals.

The activities coincide with the week –long program of activities being held to mark world Food Day, which is observed annually, on October 16th. World Food Day, an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This year’s theme is Food Prices, From Crisis To Stability.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Ag. Principal of the Trinity Academy Ms. Adeola Matthew explained the benefits of the project.  In welcoming the gesture put forth by the ministry, Ms. Matthew told the students gathered that school garden is an excellent way to teach children about the food they eat.

She saw the move as an opportunity to grow fruits and vegetables, as the students learn firsthand about different crops and the scientific stages involved.

Meanwhile, as the ministry continues to place emphasis on food and nutrition security, the school garden is being utilized as a tool to educate children, and their parents, about the nutritious advantages of fresh, locally grown food, while helping children get balanced meals.
Deputy Director of Agriculture Mr. Astley Joseph said, agriculture is a diverse program and the garden is a fun way to educate our children about sustainable development and seek solutions for the implication on the local economy.

Mr. Joseph pledges the ministry’s continued commitment towards the provision of seedlings and other technical support.

Meanwhile FAO, Local Co-ordinator Dr. Janil Gore Francis, informed the students of the challenges faced by the Giant African Land Snails (GALS) Achatina Fulica in the Jolly Hill area. Dr. Francis spoke of the GALS threat to the sustainability of crop systems and to the health of the local ecosystem.

The ministry then distributed a range of educational materials to the school to sensitize them on the various aspects of agriculture and its challenges.

On Wednesday, the ministry’s team will continue with the scheduled school program at the Minoah Magnet Academy, where the second school garden will be launched.

On the 21 st of October, students from the Trinity Academy are also expected to participate in a field trip and site visit a Suzie’s Hot Sauce.

On Monday,18 th October, during the ministry’s media day, the ministry distributed educational materials to approximately 45 schools, several government offices, and various private sector institutions, as part of efforts to bring awareness to the food price volatility and the role of the community towards attaining food and nutrition security.

Some of these materials were produced locally, while the others were produced by the FAOUN.
Other activities planned throughout the week are the Bee-Buzzrr (October 20th), Donation of Food Basket (October 21st), Farmers Market (October 22), Farmers Award Ceremony (October 26) and the Knowledge Attitude and Perception Study to determine the barriers of people buying local. 

Student at the school Marion Browne thanked the ministry on the behalf of the school.