ENVIRONMENTAL AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS RECEIVE ‘EPIC’ SUPPORT
- Members of The Traditional Afrikan Women's Organization (L-R) Stacy Hazel, Olafemi Rudder-Thomas and Akende Rudder will launch an ‘Afrikan women in Bees Initiative’ in Caura Village, Tunapuna, with the 2023 EPIC Grant from Digicel Foundation and Shell.
WEDNESDAY NOV 01, 2023: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – This year, the ‘Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities’ (EPIC) programme is supporting community organisations with small scale renewable energy and environmental initiatives. The Digicel Foundation in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago has provided grants of TT$100,000 each to facilitate 10 sustainable community projects.
Patchoi growing in a solarponix unit at Naparima College.
Three of the winning projects will focus on implementing renewable energy measures in their communities. The T&T Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers in collaboration with Soroptimist Esperance will use their funding to install a solar powered hydroponics and a rainwater harvesting system at the ASJA girls college in Barrackpore, launching a sustainable harvest programme.
(L-R) Mr. Roger Ali, Naparima College Principal (Ag), Mr. Michael Cooper-Ochiengh and Ms. Hema Jaggernauth, the school’s Communications Manager, at the signing of the 2023 EPIC programme contract.
Similarly, Naparima College in collaboration with the Interact Club will further expand its Green Initiative Agricultural Programme by installing ten solaponix hydroponics systems at the school. The project aims to both enhance their agricultural mission and foster a spirit of giving by donating the produce to vulnerable groups. The school has already committed to partner with the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities and JC McDonald Home for the Aged, enriching the lives of those in need.
The Original Trinitario Cocoa Education Foundation’s "Climate-Smart Crop Storage" project is committed to fostering a more sustainable future for cocoa farming. With its EPIC grant, the group will introduce a solar powered storage unit so farmers are able to store their cocoa beans for a longer period and preserve the unique quality and aroma of cocoa to produce ultra-premium chocolates and other value-added products. Cluster Manager for the OTC Tobias Frenking is optimistic that the introduction of solar panels will help farmers learn more about renewable energy in agriculture.
Tobias Schulze Frenking, Manager of the Original Trinitario Cocoa Education Foundation, signs the EPIC programme contract to initiate the group’s Climate-Smart Crop Storage project.
The one grant awarded in the environment category went to The Traditional Afrikan Women's Organization. The group will launch the "Afrikan Women in Bees Initiative'' to establish women-run apiaries in Caura Village, Tunapuna. This initiative not only promotes environmental conservation but also empowers women to become key contributors to their communities.
This year’s monumental million-dollar investment in the EPIC programme underscores the Digicel Foundation's unwavering commitment to partnerships that create sustainable change and foster innovation within the communities of Trinidad and Tobago. Founded in 2016, The Foundation’s EPIC programme has thus far supported 140 community projects through a total investment TT$6.2 million.
ENDS
About Digicel
As a Digital Operator, Digicel is in the business of delivering powerful digital experiences 1440 minutes of each day to customers – that’s every minute, all day, every day.
Through its world-class LTE and fibre networks, together with its suite of eight apps spanning sports (SportsMax), music (D’Music), news (Loop), local radio and podcasts (GoLoud), TV streaming, (PlayGo) enhanced messaging and marketplaces (BiP), cloud storage (Billo) and self-care (MyDigicel app), Digicel is the only operator in its markets that can deliver the complete digital experience.
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.
With its Better Together brand, Digicel is promising “simply more” to its customers and communities as the company’s 7,000 employees worldwide work together to make this pledge a powerful reality day in, day out.
For more, visit www.digicelgroup.com
About Shell Trinidad and Tobago
Shell has been in Trinidad and Tobago for over 100 years and has played a major role in the development of its oil and gas industry. With operations in offshore and onshore blocks (both operated and non-operated) as well as a majority shareholding in Atlantic LNG, the sixth largest liquefaction facility in the world, Shell Trinidad and Tobago delivers an integrated gas operation to supply the petrochemical market and Atlantic LNG.
Shell Trinidad and Tobago aims to create measurable, positive social impact at the community and national level, and contribute to the achievement of national priorities, through increasing access to education, skills and economic opportunities and improving access to energy.
Our social investment strategy seeks to contribute to economic diversification and livelihood development through Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STREAM) education, community skills and enterprise development, and community development.