Food boost for Osborne Store Primary and Infant school

Students of Osborne Store Primary and Infant School in Clarendon are elated at a new greenhouse project geared towards boosting the welfare support offered at the institution.

As part of its Labour Day annual outreach in May this year, Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation provided $1.8 million to aid the construction of the greenhouse as part of its drive to support economic resilience among youth, households, and communities. The project was delivered in partnership with Food For The Poor.

Speaking at the official handover of the greenhouse on September 27, Scotiabank May Pen Branch Manager Craig Richards commended the school for its vision.

"This greenhouse project aligns well with our philanthropic outlook, which is to help individuals, households and communities build economic resilience in a sustainable way, so that they can thrive despite the circumstances faced," he said.

Richards said the bank has had a long history of supporting youth initiatives and empowering young people through various avenues to success. Roughly 25 per cent of Osborne Store's 310 enrolled students are on the government-funded Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education, but the school has other needy students. At least 50 students benefit daily from the school's feeding programme.

Avalyn Henry, principal of Osborne Store Primary and Infant, said that the greenhouse project "adds vibrancy to the school's farming programme with cash crops such as pumpkin, corn, potato, callaloo, and sweet pepper".

"The partnership with Food For The Poor and Scotiabank has sewn seeds of inspiration for our school feeding programme. Nutritional support is vital in boosting the teaching and learning process, as it bridges the gap for vulnerable students and should improve educational outcomes over time," Henry said.

She is hoping that the deepened focus on agriculture will enhance interest in understanding the industry, making it more attractive as a career option for students.