Planting the Seeds of Success by Brent Simon
The Victory Centre, working alongside Cedar Grove Primary School, is bringing agriculture to life for preteens through a hands-on, inclusive approach to food security and sustainability. The project allows students—both those with special needs and their “neurotypical” peers—to learn together in a shared garden space, where curiosity, teamwork, and confidence grow right along with the crops.
Rather than treating agriculture as a textbook subject, students are introduced to simple, climate-smart technologies such as hydroponics and efficient irrigation systems, helping them understand how food can be grown using less water and healthier soil. With guidance from teachers, agricultural specialists, and mentors, students are encouraged to ask questions, get their hands dirty, and take pride in seeing their efforts turn into real results.
Technical support for the project is being provided by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), with additional assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Division. Their involvement ensures that students receive age-appropriate, practical guidance while schools benefit from professional agricultural support.
Beyond the school gates, the initiative also engages surrounding communities, reinforcing the message that Food Security starts early and that agriculture can be accessible, inclusive, and rewarding for everyone.
