The Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture has embarked on a project titled Let it Grow: Sustainability| Responsibility| Entrepreneurship| that seek to establish farms in all public and private schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We subscribe to the notion that, ” growth in the agricultural sector is recognized as one of the main pathways towards sustainable development and poverty reduction” (World Bank, 2008). Our goal is to help students create avenues for success, while ensuring they are given every opportunity to enhance skills and understanding in fields that lead to social and economic growth for the country. This interdisciplinary approach to teaching sustainability in schools will help students learn how to produce their food and care for animals through farming, while considering business opportunities in the field of Agricultural Science. Students will learn how to become self-sufficient, self-reliant, and value team and collaborative work with the end goal of developing and promoting the field.”- Elisann Delancy (Curriculum Planner/Project Lead)
Schools were visited by Gemely Lubin, the Education Department Assistant Curriculum Planner, and Agriculture Department, Extension Officer Mario Smith. They provided technical assistance with identifying areas for a farm on school grounds and mapping out the best course of action for the project. Schools were also provided with the necessary resources to kick start. In addition, teachers were trained by the Department of Education and Agriculture on establishing a farm and integrating farming concepts across various subject areas. Farming in Schools project is currently implemented in all public schools and piloted in two private schools.
Commenting on this project Hon. Connolly added, “ Farms in Schools is part of our Ministry’s mandate in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. We look forward to assisting with the necessary support, inclusive of our technical expertise in an effort to make this initiative a worthwhile one. Congratulations and I look forward to seeing the introduction of Farms in all schools in the second phase.”
Commenting on this project Hon. Racheal Taylor added, ” Through this National School Initiative, Farming in Schools is aligned with our Revised Curriculum which encourages social and emotional development through teamwork and collaboration. It develops caring learners, promotes scientific discovery, fosters environmental stewardship, encourages healthy lifestyles, develops good eating habits and enhances literacy and numeracy skills”.
