Empowering Youths – Cultivating Futures
ZHTF-SVG Launches Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP)
On Thursday, July 11th, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF), in partnership with the SVG Conservation Fund, proudly unveiled its Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP). The official launch and onboarding ceremony, held at the NIS Conference Room, centred around the theme “Empowering Youth, Cultivating Futures.”
This inaugural event celebrated 27 promising Agriculture Science students from secondary schools across SVG, awarding them internship opportunities. Additionally, several esteemed host agri-businesses and organizations were recognized for their partnership with the ZHTF, including Bu-te-ful Plants, Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Dane Jack Farms, Hand2Earth Vetiver Project, Lennox Lampkin Farms, Orange Hill Biotechnology Company, Ranee’s Food Supply, WindBlow Inc., Jay J’s Farm, Farmers’ Support Company and National Correspondent Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The YASIP launch marked a significant milestone in the Fund’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture, aligning with the recently observed World Youth Skills Day 2024. The programme aims to equip youth with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to innovate and lead in the agriculture sector. At the launch ceremony, Safiya Horne-Bique, Directo/CEO of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, emphasized that YASIP represents the beginning of an exciting journey for the young interns. She noted that the internship would play a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future, especially considering the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Southern Grenadines.
YASIP is designed to expose secondary school leavers, particularly Agriculture Science fifth-form students, to on-the-job training in sustainable agriculture practices, policies, and strategies. After a successful pilot in 2023 with five ZHTF-assisted schools, the programme has expanded to include over twenty students from 16 secondary schools, thanks to the partnership with the SVG Conservation Fund (SVGCF). The Vice President of the SVG Conservation Fund, Ms. Louise Mitchell, also expressed her satisfaction and noted the SVGCF’s enthusiasm in supporting YASIP, highlighting its importance in promoting agricultural education among Vincentian youths, emphasizing the prominence of agriculture for achieving food security and contributing to environmental conservation and overall sustainability. From July 15 to August 23, students will gain experience in various agriculture subsectors, including crop and animal production, agri-business and entrepreneurship, agriculture policy development, and sustainable agriculture practices.
The ZHTF aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to actively participate and contribute to the industry, laying the groundwork for a more secure and hunger-free future for all Vincentians. The launch of YASIP underscores the importance of investing in young people and promoting skills that will drive future growth, resilience, and sustainability. The ZHTF looks forward to witnessing the transformative impact these interns will have in the coming weeks.
