A new chapter in sustainable education and agriculture began at ASJA Girls College in Barrackpore on April 17, 2024, with the official launch of a cutting-edge, solar-powered hydroponics system. The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers (TTAEE) and Soroptimist International Esperance, provides students with a hands-on platform to explore the intersection of renewable energy and modern food production.
The drip-to-waste hydroponics greenhouse is designed to be a living laboratory for the school’s agri-science students, who will cultivate a variety of leafy greens including kale, patchoi, cabbage, and lettuce. According to Agriculture teacher Ms. Ramsaran, the system is a vital educational tool that enhances school-based assessments and fosters critical thinking. Students will apply scientific principles to manage the unit and achieve sustainable agricultural outcomes, bridging theory with practical application.
Funding for this forward-thinking project was provided through a TT$100,000 grant from the Digicel Foundation’s ‘Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities’ (EPIC) program, with co-sponsorship from Shell Trinidad and Tobago. Penny Gomez, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, emphasized the power of collaboration. “This partnership is built on shared values, and we hope it sets a precedent for what is possible when like-minded entities come together with a common purpose,” she remarked, noting that the EPIC program is focused on community initiatives in agriculture and renewable energy.
The project has generated significant excitement within the school community. Student Anisha Jailal called the initiative an “exciting venture,” highlighting its personal relevance. Demonstrating responsive project management, TTAEE Project Manager Richard Ramrattan shared how a 30% UV-treated shade cloth was added after noticing cabbage showed signs of sun overexposure. Gemma Casimir-Redman, President of Soroptimist International Esperance, expressed her joy at the project’s success, thanking the funders for investing in rural communities. “To do good work, we need funding; to do extraordinary work, we need plenty of funding!” she stated.
This initiative aligns with the broader social investment strategies of its corporate backers, which focus on fostering community development through education. Shell Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education and economic diversification is directly supported by projects that give students practical skills for the future, reinforcing the link between corporate responsibility and community empowerment.
Sources on TTAEE and Soroptimist Unveil Green Initiative at ASJA
- News, Projects, Articles
- A Road to Sustainable Transport – A Trinidad and Tobago context
- News | Trinidad and Tobago – Digicel Foundation
