The NCB Foundation, in collaboration with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the 4-H Clubs of Jamaica, launched a transformative islandwide school garden initiative on Labour Day 2025.

In a display of social partnership and environmental stewardship, the initiative was ceremonially rolled out at White Horses Primary School in St Thomas, marking the first in a series of schools across Jamaica to cultivate sustainable vegetable gardens.  

More than 220 seedlings—including okra, cucumber, and sweet pepper—were planted by students, teachers, and over 50 volunteers from NCB Foundation to support the occasion.  The school’s 4-H Club will manage the care of the garden, which is expected to supplement the canteen’s student meals and support broader lessons in science, nutrition, and environmental care.

“This is a welcome investment in our school,” said Sydoney Edwards-Campbell, principal of White Horses Primary. “Our students are learning about teamwork, food production and the value of environmental responsibility. We’re proud to be the first school selected for this important initiative.”

Grade 3 student Arrianna Bassant, a proud 4-H Club member, couldn’t hide her excitement and shared that she enjoyed getting her hands dirty and learning about different crops. She is anxious to help care for the garden and watch the plants grow alongside her classmates.

Perrin Gayle, CEO of NCB Foundation, reinforced the significance of the initiative in the context of national development: “Education is very important to us at NCB Foundation, and it goes beyond just what happens inside of a classroom.  If we want to prepare young people to lead in all areas of life, we must expose them to initiatives like these, which combine agriculture, environmental stewardship and community pride. This gives our youth the practical tools and confidence that will help them build a healthier and more sustainable Jamaica, for themselves and for their wider communities.”

Gayle also noted the project’s alignment with the national Labour Day theme and NCB’s environment, social and governance (ESG) agenda: “If we want a better Jamaica, we must start early. When we plant in our schools, we are planting for our future. This project shows what ESG looks like in action, and we’re proud to contribute meaningfully to national development, one school and one garden at a time.”

Peter Thompson, executive director of the 4-H Clubs of Jamaica, believes that the project is in line with the ongoing forward-thinking community development of St Thomas.

“While we are doing this activity, we are thinking about how to manage the environment and facilitate food security. We are resolute in getting the partnership off the ground, and 4-H Clubs Jamaica will ensure that the work continues.”

By September 2025, the partners aim to see the replicated model in 15 schools, reinforcing a national push for sustainability, student wellbeing and food resilience – one garden at a time.