In our experiential educational programming, we seek the holistic development of the youth we engage. Using a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum on an agricultural platform, our aim is to create change agents empowered to lead and transform their own communities. Working in organic farming environments, youth will be exposed to food production, agro-processing, natural building, culinary arts, video production, bookkeeping and lots of exciting activities.
Violence among Barbadian youth has increased at an alarming rate. Many leave school without qualifications and limited job opportunities. This, combined with neglect and little to no presence of positive influences or outlets for constructive expression, may lead to substance abuse, deviant/criminal behaviour and jail or death. There is an urgent need to create opportunities that offer youth ways to positively harness their talents and develop a greater sense of self and their role in society.
The youth farming and leadership project will engage youth in activities they can clearly link to entrepreneurial or employment opportunities. We will empower youth through our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum. By developing their leadership and conflict resolution capacity and helping to unlock their creativity, compassion and critical thinking skills, they can inspire their peers and become change agents within their communities and within the nation.
Having developed a greater understanding of their identity and purpose, the youth will become more productive members of society and be able to influence others within their communities. We expect that through ongoing support and mentorship, a number of the graduates from our programme will be engaged in some form of agriculture, helping to reduce our large food import bill and becoming active in the economic development of their communities.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
