GIY Project Cultivates Agricultural Skills, Teamwork, and a Love for Local Cuisine
Arima, Trinidad – The 4-H Clover Buddies Club at Arima Girls’ R.C. Primary School recently completed a successful farm-to-table journey as part of the Grow It Yourself (GIY) project, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Community Development. Working with project coordinator, Ms. Charity Tom, and technical support from Mr. Alpha Sennon of WHY Farm, the project provided students with an engaging and practical introduction to agriculture and healthy eating.
The club received four grow boxes, soil, and seedlings, including pak choi, celery, parsley, lettuce, and chives. Despite challenges such as heavy rainfall, pests, and inconsistent plant care—particularly following the SEA examinations—the students persevered with determination and teamwork.
On Monday, June 16th, 2025, their efforts bore fruit, with a successful harvest of pak choi. The freshly grown vegetables were cleaned and packaged by club members, and later, under the supervision of the club’s active and supportive parental support, Auntie Christel, were incorporated into a traditional meal of pak choi and saltfish, served in sada bake. This meal was prepared and shared with the school’s staff on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, marking the club’s final culinary exercise of the term under the 4-H County St. George East culinary project.
Now in its fourth cohort, the AGRCS 4-H Clover Buddies Club currently includes 12 members and plans to expand significantly in the 2025–2026 school year. With its fifth cohort set to begin in September, the club aims to quadruple its membership and further strengthen its impact.
A significant milestone also lies ahead: the club will celebrate its 10th anniversary on October 16, 2025, in alignment with World Food Day. This dual celebration will highlight the club’s decade of youth development through agriculture, food education, and community engagement.
The farm-to-table project not only provided students with valuable skills but also fostered an appreciation for sustainable agriculture, food preparation, and the importance of local cuisine.
For more information about the 4-H Clover Buddies Club or to learn how to get involved, please contact the 4-H Voluntary Leader, Ms. Theodore (279-1304), or email agrcs4hcloverbuddies@gmail.com.