February 19th 2025 – In a groundbreaking step towards enhancing agricultural education and promoting sustainable farming practices, the irrigation system installed at North East Comprehensive School has officially been handed over from the Climate Classrooms Initiative in partnership with BloomBox Dominica. The state-of-the-art system will not only benefit the school’s agriculture program but also serve as a model for other institutions aiming to integrate practical agricultural techniques with academic learning. This is component one of the Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice in the Caribbean Project.
The handover ceremony, held at the school school grounds, was attended by key officials, including the Project Lead and team, the Principal of North East Comprehensive School, and Ministry of Education representatives, Ministry of Agriculture Officials and Representative of BloomBox Dominica.
Project Lead, for the Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice in the Caribbean Project- Ferdison Valmond, expressed great satisfaction with the completion ofthe project, highlighting its potential impact on both students and the local community:
“Today marks a significant achievement in our efforts to provide hands-on learning experiences for students in agricultural studies. The installation of this irrigation system is a tangible
representation of the future we are shaping—one that values both education and sustainability. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the collective efforts of our dedicated team and our partners, and we are proud to see the positive impact it will have on the students and the surrounding community.”
Principal of North East Comprehensive School, Sariah Robin, shared excitement about the new opportunities for students, adding that She stated that the irrigation system would greatly
benefit the students and enhance the school’s agricultural program, providing valuable support to the educational experience.
Acting Chief Education Officer, Ms.Nadia Ferrol , spoke on the importance of investing in agricultural education:
“This handing over ceremony, of irrigation systems, is more than an investment in agriculture, but a commitment to empowering our youth, with the knowledge and tools they need to shape a greener, more resilient future.”
The successful implementation of this irrigation system is part of a broader initiative to enhance Climate Change and agricultural education across the country, ensuring that the next generation of farmers and agricultural experts is prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
BloomBox Dominica and the Climate Classrooms Initiative extend their gratitude to the Ministry of Education, school administrators, and the participating schools for their support and collaboration in making this initiative possible.
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.
