Castries, Saint Lucia: An idea by the Roseau Valley Alliance to have a kitchen garden at the Jacmel Early Childhood Development Centre has blossomed into reality with the formal handing over of the facility on Wednesday.
The Alliance sought the assistance of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and got the support of the Taiwan Technical Mission who decided to fund the project which also includes a sandbox.
“When the Roseau Valley Alliance sat in January and started planning activities and projects for the year the goal was to make an impact in our community and change the life of at least one person.. The health and wellness of our children should be and is a priority for us, “ said Nazan Hutchinson, Youth worker responsible for Castries South and Castries East and a member of the Roseau Valley Alliance.
Lynna Adjodha is the administrator of the Jacmel Early Childhood Development Centre.
“This Kitchen Garden initiative will play a fundamental role in supplementing the Centre’s Feeding program, thereby supporting its mission of wholesome eating from all the food groups to nurture a culture of agriculture, “ she said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports Caroline Eugene expressed the Ministry’s pleasure to have contributed to the realization of the project. “I am looking forward to the near future to coming here and enjoying a meal with the ingredients that I see blooming. I hope the kids are able to enjoy and reap the benefits of this initiative, “ the Permanent Secretary said.
Taiwanese Ambassador Peter Chia-yen Chen called on the recipients to take great care of their gardens and promised his government continued support for the food security of Saint Lucia.
“I am really happy to be here to witness the installation of the kitchen garden at the Jacmel Early Childhood Development Centre. Especially because it’s for the children who are our future. There is no better investment than to invest in the children,” Ambassador Chen stressed.
Among the plants already identified for planting in the Kitchen Garden are Chives, Bell peppers, Okras, Corn, Lettuce, and bananas.
Anglina Byron, developed a deep-seated passion for journalism. Anglina is recognized for her tenacity, strength, and unwavering commitment to delivering honest and reliable news across the Caribbean. She covers general affairs of the region.
