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The St. Vincent Grammar School will be offering Agriculture Science to its students as part of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate’s (CSEC) curriculum in the new academic year, (2023-24).

This is being made possible through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Zero Hunger Trust Fund and the school.

The MOU was signed on Monday, June 26th, by Headmaster of the St. Vincent Grammar School, Hugh Colin Sam, and Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund Safiya Horne-Bique.

Sam indicated that there have been discussions about offering the subject at the school for some time now, and welcomed the implementation phase. He expressed gratitude to the Zero Hunger Trust Fund for embracing the idea, adding that agriculture science will have a permanent space in the school's curriculum.

The Headmaster also noted that over one hundred students selected agriculture science as their subject for the new academic year. "The interest is there, the human resource is there and the funding is there," Sam expressed.

Meanwhile, Horne-Bique said the Zero Hunger Trust Fund is pleased to mark the inauguration of the Agricultural Science Programme for the St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS). She said the occasion is significant as it symbolizes the reengaging of students of the SVGS in one of the most important sectors of our economy.  Bique- Horne said "it is also significant as it puts us on a trajectory for innovation, expansion and the sustainability of the sector which puts us on a path to Zero Hunger in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines."

She expressed gratitude to the St. Vincent Brewery, supporting the initiative through the Vita Malt brand.

The Zero Hunger Trust Fund Director said, given the government’s commitment and goal internationally, regionally and nationally, to achieve food security and food sovereignty, it is recognized that youth participation in agriculture is crucial.

"The Fund, in meeting this mandate, has supported Agriculture Science programmes at secondary schools since 2019", said Horne-Bique. She added that the intention is to provide students with opportunities to enhance their knowledge of sustainable agriculture policies, practices, techniques, methodologies, and to explore avenues for sustainable livelihoods in agriculture.

Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Caesar also addressed the signing ceremony on Monday. The Minister said he is happy that the St. Vincent Grammar school saw it fit to bring together a platform for students to participate in the agricultural industry. He also pledged his Ministry's commitment to make the programme a success.

Caesar said the initiative prepares students to contribute to the agriculture industry, at a time when the SVG tourism product is expanding through the construction and opening of new hotels.

The signing was witnessed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Myccle Burke.

SOURCE: Agency For Public Information