MARABELLA COMMUNITY INVESTS IN AGRICULTURAL TRAINING FOR YOUTH

Digicel Foundation Project Officer Diana Mathura-Hobson (far left) and Digicel CEO, Abraham Smith (back centre) pose for a photo with some of the young beneficiaries of the ‘Planting Seeds with a Purpose’ initiative in Marabella. 

TUESDAY MARCH 14, 2023: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO-  Twenty vulnerable youth from Marabella and environs have gained valuable life skills and vocational agricultural training through the ongoing ‘Planting Seeds With A Purpose’ programme. The programme is one of three current projects in the Marabella Community supported by the Digicel Foundation through collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Community Development’s Sustainable Community Development Initiative.

The Digicel Foundation’s funding supplied the young farmers, both male and female between the ages of 15 and 25, with seedlings, manure, chemicals (fertilizer, pesticides, and fungicides), coveralls and boots, as well as necessary equipment and tools, including a garden shed, water tank and pump. In true community spirit, several businesses and landowners from Marabella have also invested both cash and in-kind to see that all the project requirements and expenditures are met, ensuring that these young farmers were well-equipped for a successful start in agriculture. 

Digicel CEO Abraham Smith is given a demonstration on making organic compost by beneficiaries of ‘Planting Seeds with a Purpose’ project.

At a recent walk through of the ‘Planting Seeds With a Purpose’ project site, Digicel CEO Abraham Smith and the Digicel Foundation team met with the beneficiaries of the programme. Smith shared his personal story of growing up on a farm and how it helped shape him into the person he is today. He thanked the youths for participating in the programme, reminding them of the importance of agriculture for food security, and urged them to “use this training to secure food and an income for yourself and your family.”

Mrs. Anette Valdez, social worker and project facilitator, remarked, “The goal of this project was to provide vulnerable youths with alternative opportunities centered on specialised skills development training that would highlight their talents and interests, thereby providing opportunities to enhance their coping skills to conquer everyday life challenges. Over the last 3 months, we have seen that the goal of this project has been achieved. A sense of purpose and belonging has been triggered within the group of youths.”

Digicel CEO Abraham Smith learns about the lettuce growing process from beneficiaries of ‘Planting Seeds with a Purpose’ project.

The Ministry of Sport and Community Development’s Sustainable Community Development (NPSCD) Initiative called for private sector and other donor agencies to adopt a community over a 3-5 year period, supporting their developmental activities and community goals. Five (5) communities were identified to participate in the Ministry’s programme. The Digicel Foundation adopted two of these communities, Perseverance Village and Marabella, and has committed to investing TT$100,000 in the community of Marabella over a period of one year.

ENDS

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Serving consumer and business customers in 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America, and Pacific with investments of over US$7 billion and a commitment to communities in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, and Trinidad & Tobago, the Digicel Foundation has contributed to positive outcomes for over three million people to date.

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