Claude McKay High goes green

Students at Claude McKay High School in Clarendon are reaping the benefits of a new greenhouse and additional agricultural resources, thanks to Food For The Poor Jamaica and its generous donors.

The school received a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse with rain-water harvesting and irrigation systems, a layer unit with 100 chickens, vegetable seedlings, fertilisers, chicken feed, sprayers and feeders.

Lerone Chin, head of the school's agricultural department, said the impact is already reflected in the achievement of his students.

Vegetable production has increased dramatically, with the new greenhouse producing more than 150 pounds of sweet peppers so far.

"The performance in agricultural science has decreased nationally. But at Claude McKay, for the last year, we increased our passes in agricultural science," Chin said. "Our pass rate last year was 92 per cent and with the investment, we have received up to 94 per cent."

Nakhle Hado, director of agriculture and fishing at Food For The Poor Jamaica, said agricultural resources are "not always affordable or accessible".

But, he said, the charity's donation will enable students to meet academic requirements and boost their interest in agriculture as a viable career, while providing a source of income for the school.

Hado thanked the charity's donors, saying they will help the school "become an exemplary beacon of profitable agriculture".

Richard Azan, member of parliament for North West Clarendon, commended Food For The Poor Jamaica's support for agriculture in the parish.

"All the schools that have been assisted so far are singing praises that now they are producing," Azan said. "We are truly grateful for the provision that has been made so far, because the investment in agriculture is working."