Youth Programme embraces Agriculture
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Children learning about carambola agro-processing |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Community Achievers Project (CAP) visited the Taiwanese Agro-processing Mission (Needsmust) earlier today to be educated on new agricultural practices and the benefits that can be yielded from their application.
The Director of CAP, Victoria Baucom, told SKNVibes that the visit was a part of an academic project which took a different approach to learning and highlighted the significance of agriculture to the economy.
The project also focusses on improving current agricultural practices, preservation of crops and lengthening the shelf life of perishable foods.
“Agriculture is not promoted enough here, and it’s not something to be ashamed of. This project allows children to seek more opportunities and teaches them to be self-sustainable in order to survive in a global market.
“Liamigua means fertile soil, and it’s amazing that we do not invest enough and educate people enough on the opportunities
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| Victoria Baucom, Founder of the Community Achievers Programme |
available in agriculture. This can provide an alternative career and may offer a sustainable income. We can work the soil and earn good careers,” Baucom explained.
She applauded the Cuban Agronomists and the Department of Agriculture specifically for offering lessons in organic pesticides, propagation, grafting and floriculture. She also acknowledged the aid given by Sydney Berkley, owner of Riches of the Earth Farm, who had allowed the youth project to practice agriculture on his grounds.
Agronomical engineer at the Taiwanese Agro-processing Mission (Needsmust) Ray Lee also shared in the effort of educating the children on the importance of agriculture. He assessed the many possibilities that may arise from the application of proper agricultural practices.
“We here at the Agro-processing Mission invest in the production of well-preserved fruit snacks and have equally focussed on educating the public about new agricultural practices.” ~~Adz:Right~~
He added that the area of agriculture has many viable opportunities for growth and development and that more individuals should consider having agriculturally-oriented careers.
The three-year-old youth programme began as a one-on-one reading programme in Baucom’s residence on Central Street and has grown from one student to about 20. The project was officially launched in the Dr. William Connor Primary School and has subsequently moved to the Irish Town Primary School.
Now, the reading programme meets three days per week and has received aid from ECCB, International University of Nursing, the US Peace Corps, Avalon Medical Lab and the Rotary Club of St. Kitts. They are still in need of financial aid and are encouraging members of the general public to offer assistance as best as they can.
