Jamaica 4-H Clubs to Set Up 10 New School Gardens

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs will be establishing 10 new school gardens across the island this year.

This was disclosed to JIS News by Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Dr. Ronald Blake, following his keynote address at the annual school-leaving exercise of the Kitson Town All-Age School, in St. Catherine, on July 4.

Dr. Blake said the project will be undertaken with support from the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).

The Executive Director pointed out that one of the gardens will be set up at the Kitson Town All-Age School.

“These are excellent gardens utilising technology, and are capable of assisting teaching and learning as well as providing fresh foods and vegetables for the schools and surrounding areas,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Dr. Blake urged fathers to stand with mothers in the development of the children.

“If our children are going to master their destiny, they have to do so with both parents,” he said.

For her part, Principal of the school, Nerica Powell-Hay, said that with support from the Sugar Transformation Unit, the institution now has a perimeter fence. “We are now working in a more secure environment,” she added.

She noted that the school did well at the 4-H Clubs parish competition, taking home six medals. In the parish track and field contest, the school won 10 medals, including five  gold, and at the national level, two gold and one silver. Kemar Whittle, a student at the institution, was crowned Champion Boy in the National Under-Nine category.

Top male and female achievers in the GSAT examinations, Jordan Alexander and Taneese Jackson, were awarded scholarships by past student of the school, Ralston Morgan. Jordan will be attending St. Jago High School, while Taneese will be going to St. Catherine High School.