In a significant milestone for agricultural education and sustainable farming practices in the eastern District, The Climate Classrooms Initiative in Partnership with BloomBox Dominica officially landed irrigation systems to the schools Environmental Club and will play a key role in enhancing the school’s agricultural program and the work of the Club. The installation of the system also serves as a model for other institutions looking to integrate practical agricultural skills into their curriculum. The project is a key component of the Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice in the Caribbean project spearheaded by the Climate Justice Movement.
The handover ceremony, held at the Castle Bruce Secondary School grounds, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Project Lead for the Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice project, the Principal of Castle Bruce Secondary School, and Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, Ministry of Agriculture, and BloomBox Dominica.
Ferdison Valmond, Project Lead for the Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice in the Caribbean Project, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the project, highlighting its transformative potential for students and the local community. “The introduction of this irrigation system will be a game changer for the Agricultural Programs at Castle Bruce Secondary School, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and a deeper understanding of sustainable farming techniques,” Valmond stated.
Mr. Haradine Scotland, Principal of Castle Bruce Secondary School, emphasized that the new irrigation system would significantly enhance the agricultural science curriculum. He also expressed confidence that this would help students achieve better results in the upcoming CSEC Agricultural Science examinations.
Hon. Octavia Alfred, Parliamentary Representative for Castle Bruce Constituency and Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, spoke on the importance of investing in agricultural education. The Minister expressed her delight to see collaborations like this that support agricultural initiatives, adding that the country must shift the narrative about the importance of agriculture in schools, and this is a step in the right direction. She also affirmed that the Ministry of Education continues to prioritize exposing students to agriculture and its significance in today’s world.
Yannel Bruno,National Agriculture Education Coordinator says this visionary innovation funded by the Open Society and implemented by the Young People for Action on Climate Change (YPACC) Jamaica, BloomBox Dominica and Multiverse Games Inc is a testament for what we can achieve through collaboration at all levels and collective action.
The successful installation and handover of the irrigation system are part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing climate change education and agricultural awareness across Dominica. This project is preparing the next generation of farmers and agricultural experts to address the challenges of the future.
BloomBox Dominica and the Climate Classrooms Initiative extend their gratitude to the Ministry of Education, school administrators, and participating schools for their support in making this initiative a success as well as Multiverse Games Inc for the support to the objectives of this project.
About the Climate Classrooms Initiative
The Climate Classrooms Initiative, developed and implemented by the Climate Justice Movement Dominica, focuses on empowering youth in the Kalinago Territory to understand and take action on climate change. Through hands-on experiences and practical projects, the initiative equips students with the knowledge, skills, and passion to advocate for climate justice and sustainability. The project is funded by the Open Society Foundation and implemented by Young People for Action on Climate Change.
