Young people are gaining valuable skills and hands-on experience in agriculture through the African Heritage Agricultural (AFRHA) programme, which is designed to prepare participants for sustainable employment and self-employment opportunities in the sector.
On Monday, poet Derron Sandy, through a spoken-word piece, ushered in the second cohort of the project.
“In many ways you saving the planet and that starting from today. You are no farmer, you are wonder woman in wondrous ways of providing for your home, family and community every day in every way. In a world where agriculture is underrated, you find ways of innovating.”
The ten-week project seeks to empower young people through agricultural training, personal development and cultural grounding.
Programme Dean of Cooperative Studies at the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies, Colin Bartholomew, applauded the project, citing ILO data which suggests that 6% of the world’s young people are unemployed, and that one in five are NEET – an abbreviation for ‘Not in Employment, Education, or Training.’
“The NEET rate falls as education rises, so it’s important within the context of this programme where education is being introduced that it tangibly impacts young people who are not in education, employment or training.”
He shared other findings in the report.
“So, in that same report, the ILO reviewed 220 youth programmes in 62 countries over three decades. And ironically enough, the findings could have been written about this programme because it shows that programmes work best when they combine several components: they include soft skills, and they offer certification.”
The Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, and First Citizens bank are key stakeholders in the initiative implemented by the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago.