Following the Covid-19 pandemic, there was reduction in the involvement of young people in the 4-H programme, which meant reduced access to our programme that exposed them to hands-on projects in the areas of agriculture, health, science and community engagement. There are numerous fallow lands in all communities which need to be brought into production. There is also a need to address Non-communicable diseases through the growing of healthy foods in communities.

The main reason for the 4-H Community Learning Garden Project is to provide shared spaces for teaching and learning opportunities for 4-Hers and members of the Barbadian public. This project fosters Environmental Stewardship, Inclusion, Community Service Learning and Fun. It will educate, inspire, and connect with Barbadian communities to produce food and herbs using environmentally sustainable production methods. It will also empower 4-H youth with skills they need to become leaders and positive influences in their communities. It would lead to an increase in membership of the Barbados 4-H Foundation.

The planning grant will assist the organisation in developing a full project proposal.