Legacy Foundation Launches $40,000 Aquaponics Project at Ellerton Primary School

Legacy Foundation has launched the $40 000 New Growth Aquaponics and Farming Project at Ellerton Primary School.

According to principal Andrew Haynes and Agricultural Science teacher Lisa Greenidge, the project, developed in partnership with educators at the St George educational institution, is a significant milestone in the school’s journey towards sustainability, innovation and holistic education.

Haynes said it also marked a pivotal moment as the school transcends “traditional boundaries of learning and embraces a multifaceted approach that integrates environmental consciousness, technological advancement and experiential learning”.

He added: “Our vision for this project is centred around our students. Through this initiative, they will gain invaluable educational opportunities, delving into hands-on experiences in animal husbandry, sustainable agriculture and the principles of aquaponics. This practical approach extends their learning beyond textbooks, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and setting them up for success in the real world.”

Programme Development Coordinator at the Legacy Foundation Hanif Moore said this is the first of three similar projects being undertaken by the charity. He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to make “a massive positive impact that will leave a lasting impression as we engage and invest opportunities with our community impact objectives”.

The collaborative efforts, according to the foundation’s vice-chairman Ayodele Burrowes, realised the charity’s goal of the advancement of agricultural science education at the school and, by extension, the community.

“Legacy’s theme, Supporting Learning Wellness and Empowerment, was very much borne out in the vision of the school’s projects. From today (Monday), Ellerton Primary becomes one of only a few public schools in Barbados equipped with an aquaponic strategy, and perhaps the first of our public primary schools.

“We at Legacy Foundation have taken a broad, long-term generational view of our corporate philanthropic efforts and have focused on initiatives that seek to sustain productivity, specifically in the areas of education, wellness and empowerment, especially for underserved groups.”

Burrowes encouraged corporate Barbados and other organisations to embrace these kinds of philanthropic initiatives, “recognising that we cannot depend exclusively on the guidance and resources of the State for our development as a nation”.

She said it was hoped that the project would open career opportunities in agricultural science for Ellerton Primary students, including aquaponics, which will “ultimately redound to Barbados’s benefit”.

MP for St George South Dwight Sutherland, in welcoming Legacy’s investment in the school, urged educators to have an open day for members of the community to get a first-hand look at the project as it has the potential to become the launching pad for building a sustainable community.