Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Zero Hunger Trust Fund Completes First Phase of Adopt-a-Classroom Programme
The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF-SVG) successfully completed the first phase of its Adopt-a-Classroom Programme between May-June 2024. This milestone was celebrated during the graduation ceremonies of the final five primary schools in the programme: Calliaqua Anglican, Lauders Primary, Gomea Methodist, Clare Valley Government, and Rose Hall Government. At each school, the Fund presented the Zero Hunger Trust Award to the most outstanding student.
The programme has already demonstrated a positive impact, with analysis showing that 80% of the adopted schools performed above average in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). In the last school year alone, 153 students received critical support from the Fund. The Adopt-a-Classroom initiative was specifically designed to encourage children to stay in school, seize educational opportunities, and reduce their vulnerability to hunger and poverty.
Looking ahead, the ZHTF plans to revamp and expand the Adopt-a-Classroom Programme to reach even more students. The enhanced programme will target students across all grades in primary schools identified as needing additional support due to factors such as limited resources, socio-economic challenges, or academic performance indicators. By concentrating resources on these targeted students, the programme aims to maximize its impact and address disparities in educational opportunities.
Over the next three years, the ZHTF intends to support 1,000 students from indigent households across 22 schools in vulnerable communities. The rollout of the revamped programme is already underway, with 375 students from 15 primary schools receiving assistance for the 2024-2025 academic year.
