Groundbreaking for Shade House and Handing Over of Tools
(ZIZ News) — On Tuesday, the St. Kitts-Nevis Agricultural Youth Forum in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture held a ceremony that was two-fold; firstly, for the handing over of garden tools to various high schools and secondly, to break ground for the construction a shade house.
Minister of Education, Hon. Shawn Richards, in relaying featured remarks, said the St. Kitts-Nevis Agricultural Youth Forum is doing its part to develop youth involvement in the agriculture sector.
“SKNAYF’s mission statement to build capacity of youths within the Federation in Agriculture, Science and Technology, empowering them to actively participate in society and policy formulation processes in the relevant ministries points to the fact that they are doing their part in human resource development,” he said.
“SKNAYF and its sponsors must be applauded for taking these direct steps to develop our people and our nation. They must be encouraged to continue,” he continued.
The Education Minister outlined what each school is expected to receive.
“SKNAYF in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, (IICA) have once again demonstrated their civic responsibility and will be presenting seven primary schools with garden tools. The St. Paul’s Primary School will receive a pre-fab greenhouse. Saddlers Secondary School and the Cayon High School will be presented with shade houses and I understand that it is the intention to provide the other high schools with shade houses, having impressive sizes of 10 by 12,” he said.
Acting Director of Agriculture, Melvin James encouraged the students to look at the shade house as a means of nurturing their learning of Agriculture.
“We commend the Youth Forum. We commend the donors and sponsors. We invite the students as the recipients to see this as an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning, both for your examinations and for the potential future endeavours in Agriculture,” he said.
The donations were made possible by Christophe Harbour, contributor of EC $10,000, and the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, which contributed EC $100,000.