Celebrating World Food Day 2024!
Trinidad
Article written by Janelle De Bique – 4-H Secretary
Dear 4-H Family,
We are thrilled to share the exciting activities that took place during the recent Tree Planting event organized by the World Food Day Committee and included clubs from 4-H Trinidad and Tobago! This year, we commemorated World Food Day on October 16th with the theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” This theme emphasizes the importance of food security and sustainability, encouraging us to reflect on our roles in creating a healthier planet.
Event Highlights
The venue for the event was the Royal Botanical Gardens, Port of Spain.
Participating Organizations included FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), IICA (InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, with its lush greenery and vibrant flora, provided a beautiful backdrop for our event. Collaboration with esteemed organizations like FAO and IICA allowed us to gain insights into sustainable agricultural practices and global food systems.
4-H Clubs Participation
A total of 12 4-H Clubs from across Trinidad and Tobago participated in an inspiring 12 weeks of activities leading up to this event. One of the standout activities was the Plant Torch, initiated in 2016, which encourages young people to nurture and plant indigenous and rare fruit trees. Each club engaged in hands-on learning experiences, from soil testing to understanding the lifecycle of plants. This year’s selected plant was the **Custard Apple**, known for its creamy texture and sweet flavor. Students learned about its nutritional benefits, including its high vitamin C content, and the importance of biodiversity in our ecosystems.
Talents on Display
Students showcased their creativity through an Art Competition and a Jingle Composition competition. We are proud to announce the winners:
– Secondary School Art Competition: Northeastern College – Chelsea Dean
– Secondary School Jingle Competition: Northeastern College – Jelicia Fitzpatrick
– Primary School Art Competition: Clarke Rochard Presbyterian Primary
– Jingle Competition: San Fernando Girls Government Primary
Tree Planting Ceremony
The culmination of the event was the Tree Planting activity where the Custard Apple tree was planted at the Hilltop Lookout in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The President of 4-H Leaders of Trinidad and Tobago praised the initiative for introducing students to diverse fruit varieties, enriching their knowledge and appreciation for food.
Prize Giving Ceremony
The event also included a prize-giving ceremony to honor the winners of the art and jingle competitions. Congratulations to all our 4-H Clubs for their hard work and creativity!
We look forward to the continued support and enthusiasm of our Voluntary Leaders as they guide our 4-H students and their activities. Together, we are nurturing a generation that values the importance of food security and environmental stewardship. As we continue “To Make the Best Better”.
Art Pieces
Participating Schools
St. John’s Helping Hands 4-H Club – St. John’s Anglican Primary
Adventurers 4-H Club – San Fernando Girls Anglican Primary
Green Thumbs 4-H Club – Lady Hochoy School Cocorite
Evergreen Thumbs 4-H Club – La Pastora Primary School
Rio Pres Planters 4-H Club – Rio Claro Presbyterian Primary
Gems of Northeast 4-H Club – Northeastern College
Green Team 4-H Club – Clarke Road Government Primary
Redemption Warriors 4-H Club – Siparia Road Presbyterian Primary 
Clover Warriors 4-H Club – St. Barbara’s Spiritual Shouter Baptist Primary
Agri Avengers 4-H Club – California Government Primary
Little Jewels 4-H Club – Little Jewels ECCE
Busy Buddies 4-H Club – Tablepiece Government Primary