Planting the Seeds of Knowledge Early to Cultivate a Future in Agriculture.

The Grade Six students at Dame Pearlette Primary School are leading a research project focused on developing an aquaponic system. This initiative is a key component of their Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) requirements. The focus of this project is not merely understanding the production aspect of the system, but more importantly, comprehending how this initiative can support the school’s feeding program by promoting sustainable food production and enhancing the nutritional value of the daily feeding plan. The aim of the educators is to accomplish this through hands-on learning so that students will not only develop practical skills in agriculture but also gain a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship and the role of innovative farming methods in food security which place them in a position to gain valuable knowledge in agriculture and environmental stewardship.

As Dame Pearlette Primary School continues its journey in establishing an aquaponic system, the Division of Agricultural Engineering Services was invited to deliver a presentation on aquaponics. While hands-on learning is the primary focus, it is essential for students to first receive a theoretical introduction to technology. The presentation was carefully designed to be engaging, ensuring that students could grasp the fundamental concepts. Our aim was to deepen their understanding of the system’s operations and functionality, reinforcing their research project and supporting the school’s broader efforts in sustainable agriculture and food security.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development is proud to support this initiative, which serves as a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of agricultural professionals. By engaging students in innovative, hands-on learning, this project nurtures a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture and the role of technology in food production. We are excited to see the completion of the aquaponic system and the impact it will have on the school’s feeding program and agricultural education.