Scotiabank (Barbados) Supports Farm-Able Project for Persons with Disabilities in Sustainable Agricultural Education

In a significant boost to sustainable agricultural education, students from Derrick Smith School & Vocational Centre, Challenor Creative Arts & Training Centre, and The Ann Hill School will receive another year of support thanks to a $47,500 donation from Scotiabank (Barbados) Limited. This contribution will fund Phase II of the Farm-Able Livelihoods Project for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust (BECT) and the Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Partners of the Farm-Able Livelihoods Project for Persons with Disabilities: (L-R) Allister Glean -IICA Representative in Barbados, Lana Fingall – Senior Manager and Team Lead for Scotiabank Of shore Banking Unit in Barbados, Representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Neysha Soodeen – Founder of Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust (BECT), and Ché Greenidge – Executive Director of BECT

The Farm-Able project, now entering its second year, focuses on providing climate-smart and adaptive agricultural training to young individuals with disabilities. Building on the success of its first year, this phase will emphasize sustainable agricultural techniques and agri-entrepreneurship, empowering students to grow and rear their own food while gaining valuable business skills.

Scotiabank (Barbados) Limited’s Managing Director, Suzette Armoogam-Shah, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “Providing opportunities for full and equal social and economic participation is beneficial not only to youth with disabilities but also their surrounding societies, allowing them to contribute fully to the country’s development and economic growth.”

BECT continues to champion sustainable agricultural practices and public education through its partnership with the Farm-Able project. BECT Executive Director, Ms. Ché Greenidge, emphasized the role of corporate support in achieving sustainable development goals and praised Scotiabank for its commitment.

Scotiabank volunteers help students set up an aquaponics system as part of the Farm-Able

The IICA, as the implementing partner, will enhance learning and technical skills in food production systems such as aquaponics, poultry farming, and rabbit rearing. IICA Representative in Barbados, Allister Glean, envisions the program contributing significantly to food security in Barbados, encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to see agriculture as a viable and rewarding field.

This initiative addresses critical needs in youth and agriculture, fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing household food security, and ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for young persons with disabilities in Barbados.