Donation of Sewing Machines
Category Archives: Youth
Kid Unlimited School Visits GARD Center Hydroponics
Two teachers of Grades 4 and 5 along with over 30 students from the Kids Unlimited School visited the GARD Center and its Hydroponics Unit on Wednesday, 4 March, 2020.
Mr. Ika Fergus, Extension Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture delivered a presentation on Hydroponics, which was very well received by the children. During this tour they were able to see firsthand how lettuce is grown using this medium. They were also able to receive a head of lettuce.
Thanks to Kids Unlimited School for being a part of our campaign to spearhead the ‘Hydroponics movement’ under the Sandals Foundation ‘Climate-Smart Agriculture Project Combating Effects of Climate Change’ on the local Agricultural Sector.
6th Annual Farm to Table Luncheon, 18th April 2020
Press Release:Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects
The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) receives grant funding from its partner the Government of Japan, through its Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, at a Signing Ceremony on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Gilbert Agro-Heritage Nature Center, Mercers Creek.
We are pleased to announce that the amount of this funding is USD$89,629 through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) under the 2019 financial year.
Once again “Thank You” to the Embassy of Japan, for its mandate to help in building the hospitality industry through training for the vulnerable youth in Antigua and Barbuda.
GARD Center partners with the Department of the Environment in the Grid-interactive Solar PV Systems for Schools and Clinics
“GARD Center , Guardians of the Environment, Guardians for our Youth” This is the theme of GARD Center’s Grid-interactive Solar PV Systems for Schools and Clinics project. The overall goal of this project “is to ensure that during a drought or a hurricane, schools in the country will still be fully functional, better known as climate resilient. Using clean technology will contribute to our national commitment of reducing our CO2 emissions” (Dept. of the Environment). Reducing our electricity usage, while increasing the trainees and trainers awareness of environmental management and renewable energy both at the Center and in the surrounding communities will be a vital outcome.
The Center just launched its project on September 18, 2018 with the Executive Director Ag. Mrs. June Jackson speaking about the project and its benefits, along with Ms. Shema Roberts, Environment Officer, with the Department of the Environment. Ms. Roberts congratulated the Center on being the first to launch and to have an exciting program lined up for the youth. One of the highlights for the Center’s project is conducting a new course for Solar Panel Installation Assistant Technicians. Eighteen (18) young men and two (2) daring young women who are “thinking outside of the traditional women roles”, have registered for the course which is being conducted by Antigua Computer Technology (ACT), a strategic partner in this project.
Ms. Lucia Mings of Environmental Tourism Consulting who will be advising the Center in the development our Environment Management Plan also addressed the gathering of trainees , staff, trainers and other guests. Remarks were presented by Mrs. Karen Massiah , Customer Service Coordinator/Executive Assistant of ACT stated that the company is pleased to partner with an organization like the GARD Center and to be a part of the Solar project.
GARD Center Graduates 89 Youth into the World of Work and Business
The European Union in partnership with the GARD Center in a two year project entitled “Improving Opportunities for At-risk, Probationary and Incarcerated Youth in Antigua and Barbuda” has empowered 89 young men and women with skills in the areas of Agricultural Enterprise, Professional Hospitality Services, Customer Service, Information Communication Technology and Business Enterprise. Many of these youth were graduating for the first time after dropping out of school for various reasons. It is always a touching moment for staff and parents to watch these young people come up with pride and self confidence to receive their certificates and awards.
Congratulatory remarks were given by Dame Eusalyn Lewis, Vice Chairperson of the GARD Center Board of Directors along with graduates who proudly presented a poem by Ms. Salome Hinds of the Professional Hospitality Service course and Graduate remarks praising their time at the Center, Ms. Latoya Wade from Business Enterprise and Ms. Adisha Browne from Customer Service.
Ms. Elicia Phillips, Managing Director of Phillips Consulting gave a very uplifting and encouraging speech for the Charge to the Graduates. The GARD Center wishes to thanks all the trainers who gave of their time and talents to work with the young trainees.
Agriculture
Anika Aska—Crop Production / Propagation
Sereno Benjamin / Tamesh Sookdal—Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
Kathleen Forde—Post Harvest
Brent Georges—Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Joel Matthew—Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Business Enterprise
Marcella André—Technical
Ingrid O’Marde—Technical
Customer Service and Professional Hospitality Service
Vincent Andrew—Technical
Information Communication Technology
Kedane Gamble
Lorne Matthew—English and Mathematics
Judy Dease-Richards—Life Skills
Joycelyn Humphreys—Life Skills
4th Annual GARD Center’s Farm to Table
The 4th Annual GARD Center’s Farm to Table Benefit Luncheon once again drew a wide diverse crowd of persons from children to proud senior citizens of 90 years old. The food this year was definitely a winner amongst everyone from a sweet spiced Sorrel Mimosa welcome drink ,to a nutty-gin cream soup, nopal salad, roasted leg of pork with pineapple cilantro sauce, stuffed chicken breasts with plantain mousse and rosemary sauce, marlin or lobster kebab, anti –pasta lasagna, assorted breads to name a few. To complete this mouth watering three course meal, goat cheese tarts, spicy chocolate samosa and sweet potato donuts. Does this not entice you to come next year?
All of this could not have been achieved without the many wonderful partners who share the mission of the GARD Center to touch the lives of our vulnerable youth in this Nation through holistic technical and life skills training programs and services. The GARD Center is indebted to the James and Maginley Charity and Care Foundation as the Premier Sponsors, Agricultural Producers, the Agricultural Extension Division, Fisheries Division, Goddard Catering who led a team of chefs from Jumby Bay Resort, Carlisle Bay, Curtain Bluff, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Flavas Restaurant. And of course the Patrons of this event His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams and the more than 280 guests who supported the luncheon, a sincere thank you.
Protecting the Future of Beekeeping in Antigua and Barbuda
The GARD Center and the Australian Embassy based in Trinidad and Tobago and the Mill Reef fund have partnered with the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeeping Cooperative to train youth in beekeeping and its added valued activities in soap making and bee box construction. Twenty-two (22) participants have been involved in a ten week training course that is covering topics such as:
- managing bee hives
- collecting swarms
- life of bees
- equipment and clothing
- business management etc.
Along with the technical aspects of raising bees the participants are learning how to add value to some of the secondary products from beekeeping such as using the beeswax in the making of soaps and creams. Other activities in the project will be the production of some educational fact sheets on various aspects of Beekeeping in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Australian Embassy has assisted with funding for beekeeping suits, other equipment and the lumber for the bee boxes. The Mill Reef Fund has also provided the funding for most of the trainers fees as well as equipment.
It is hoped that this partnership will go a long way in helping to boost the beekeeping industry in Antigua and Barbuda after facing some challenges which was affecting its survival.
GARD Center Upcoming Courses
The GARD Center with sponsorship from the European Union with be holding several courses for Youth between the ages of 17 – 35 years, starting in June and July 2018.
A course in Basic Baking and Decorating will begin on Monday, 2 July, and will run for thirteen (13) weeks. Learn the art of:
- Bread making
- Buns (Sweet and Savory)
- Cakes
- Pastries
- Decorating (Icing and Ganash)
Training sessions will also include:
- Remedial Math and English
- Life Skills (developing self-confidence; managing conflict; resume writing, and lots more)
- Information Technology
Registration: Ongoing
Fee: $50.00 (non-refundable)
Valid photo ID
Professional Bar and Beverage Service will begin on Monday, 25 June, 2018, and will run for twelve (12) weeks. Learn about:
- Bar Etiquette
- Wine Appreciation
- Mixology
- Beer
- Responsible Alcohol Service
Training sessions will also include:
- Remedial Math and English
- Life Skills (developing self-confidence; managing conflict; resume writing, and lots more)
- Information Technology
Registration: Ongoing
Fee: $50.00 (non-refundable)
Valid photo ID
Agriculture Training will begin in July 2018, and will run for fourteen (14) weeks.
Topics to be covered will include:
- Small Ruminant Production (sheep, goats)
- Integrated Pest Management
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- Soil Management
- Crop Production
- Farm Management
Training sessions will also include:
- Remedial Math and English
- Life Skills (developing self-confidence; managing conflict; resume writing, and lots more)
- Information Technology
Registration: Ongoing
Fee: $50.00 (non-refundable)
Valid photo ID
Our Information Communication Technology course will begin in July and run for twelve (12) weeks. Topics to be covered include:
- Parts of a computer
- Microsoft Office
- Basic Web Design
- Basic Computer Repair
- Manipulating and Maneuvering the Web
- Setting up a business in ICT
Training sessions will also include:
- Remedial Math and English
- Life Skills (developing self-confidence; managing conflict; resume writing, and lots more)
- Information Technology
Registration: Ongoing
Fee: $50.00 (non-refundable)
Valid photo ID
Additional Courses on Offer are:
Beekeeping. Learn:
- Management of bees
- Parts of the hive
- Bee box construction
- Equipment for beekeeping
- Developing colonies from swarms
This eight (8) week training course is scheduled to begin in late June.
Tentative Venue: Agricultural Extension Division (Kentish Road)
Time: 4pm – 7pm (3 nights a week)
Registration: Ongoing
Fee: $50.00 (non-refundable)
Valid photo ID
Also available is an eight (8) week Soap Making course. Learn:
- The Science of Soap making
- Soap making techniques
- Health Benefits of natural soaps
- Marketing, Promotion and Packaging of products
Training sessions will also include:
- Remedial Math and English
- Life Skills (developing self-confidence; managing conflict; resume writing, and lots more)
- Information Technology
Registration: Ongoing
Fee: $50.00 (non-refundable)
Valid photo ID
Jumby Bay Island Company Ltd Donates to GARD Center
The GARD Center trainees are beaming at their new bus shed that will protect them from the elements as they wait for their transportation after classes. They are also very proud that they volunteered to participate in its construction thanks to the technical team from the Jumby Bay Island Company Ltd who taught the youth some basic skills in masonry and carpentry. Many thanks to Jumby Bay for donating staff and materials it was truly appreciated by the GARD Center staff and trainees. A special thank you is also extended to Antigua Plumbing and Hardware, VEG International and Argos Cement for their contribution in building materials as well.
The GARD Center in partnership with the European Commission continues in a two year project to provide quality and trend setting training for vulnerable youth, preparing them for the workforce and/or business development, emphasizing life skills, remedial math and English and computer literacy.
