Special needs children get aquaponics refresher

The workshop focused on refreshing participants’ knowledge of aquaponics, capturing feedback and answering the frequently asked questions based on the previous year’s experience with the Digicel Foundation’s Aquaponics Programme.

Harnarine Lalla, Fisheries officer stated that “the initiative was an excellent one as it gave the participants an opportunity to share their experiences and resolve problems.” He also noted the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants, said a media release from Digicel. Alberta Hercules, principal of the Aspirare Learning Community, stated that, “this workshop was a pleasant surprise knowing that the other schools were dealing with similar issues with their systems.”

Hercules added, “Being able to network and share experiences with other schools was a really worthwhile experience.” Launched in March 2014, the Aquaponics Programme, which provides the unique opportunity for therapeutic learning and alternative income, involved the installation of aquaponics units at 14 schools that cater for students with a range of cognitive disabilities. The programme allows students to rear tilapia and grow leafy vegetables which include lettuce, celery, chive, basil and crops like tomatoes to create other value-added products.

The students are then able to measure the value created by their aquaponics systems when the produce is sold in their communities or to their families. the Digicel Foundation Aquaponics Programme not only gives students a sense of accomplishment, but it promotes a healthier lifestyle through the consumption of organic produce, creates a friendly environment and above all an entrepreneurial spirit.