ZHTF Supports the Reintroduction of Home Economics at Girls' High School
After 25 years, the St. Vincent Girls’ High School (GHS) officially reintroduced Home Economics to its curriculum with the grand opening of a state-of-the-art Home Economics Laboratory on March 18. This milestone achievement, made possible through collaborative efforts from multiple stakeholders, including the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF), underscores the importance of equipping students with practical skills in food preparation, nutrition, and household management.
The newly established lab is fully furnished with modern kitchen appliances, cutlery, and other essential tools, creating an optimal learning environment for students to engage in hands-on training. Principal Latoya DeRoche-John, who spearheaded the initiative, expressed profound gratitude to all contributors, including the Zero Hunger Trust Fund. She emphasized that the investment in Home Economics and Agricultural Science is paving the way for integrated learning and future success at GHS.
Minister of Education, Honourable Curtis King, commended the school’s leadership, staff, and students, along with the generous sponsors, for their dedication in making the laboratory a reality. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), highlighting that hands-on skill development is crucial for students’ holistic growth and future opportunities. Minister King emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance competency-based learning within schools, ensuring that students are well-equipped to achieve their aspirations.
Chief Executive Officer of the ZHTF, Safiya Horne-Bique, expressed excitement about the reintroduction of Home Economics at GHS, noting that the initiative aligns seamlessly with the Fund’s mission to achieve Zero Hunger in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “We are proud to be associated with this project, as it directly supports the National Food Security Project being implemented by the ZHTF,” said Horne-Bique. She highlighted the programme’s potential to foster research, innovation, and sustainability in food security initiatives nationwide.
The CEO also emphasized that the students’ journey from ‘Farm to Table’—integrating their agricultural studies with practical culinary applications—will further strengthen their understanding of food production and nutrition. The ZHTF has played a pivotal role in supporting GHS’s Agricultural Science program, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in cultivating fresh produce. Recognizing the broader economic and social implications, Horne-Bique described this initiative as a valuable contribution to St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Tourism Industry. She encouraged students to fully utilize the Home Economics Lab to develop essential life skills and explore career opportunities in food production, nutrition, and hospitality.
The reintroduction of Home Economics at GHS marks a significant step toward empowering young Vincentians with essential skills for self-sufficiency, healthy living, and food security. ZHTF remains committed to supporting educational initiatives that align with its mission of creating a hunger-free nation.
