Boost for Youth Development Programme of Agriculture Ministry
May 18, 2012The Full Story
A sum of $10 million has been allocated to the Youth Development Programme within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
As contained in the 2012/13 Estimates of Expenditure, tabled in the House of Representatives on May 10, the programme aims to develop the interest and capabilities of children and young adults in agriculture and community-related activities as a means of promoting national development.
This is done through 4-H Clubs which mobilise, educate and train young people, between ages five to 25 years, in agriculture, social, cultural and home making skills.
Of the sum, $6 million will be used in the School Garden Programme, which seeks to encourage practical agricultural training in schools and to use school gardens as part of a wider parenting project where best practices are transferred to the home.
The remaining $4 million will be used for the Production and Training Enterprises Project, which concentrates on the commercial production of food crops as well as the agro-industry at 4-H centres across the island.
By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter