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The original objectives of the project changed over time, as two of the schools did not take up the offer to participate. Also, very few members of the Women’s Missionary Society followed through on commitment to be involved. The specific objective to develop a full grant proposal to address the focal area of Persistent Organic Pollutants was therefore changed. The project worked with two classes (Infants 2 of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017) to expose them to agriculture. The teacher and principal of Gaines Normal AME School agreed to continue the project to completion.
The students of Infants 2 (school years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017) were exposed to agriculture in the classroom as well as real life experiences from the field trips. They were actively involved in the discussion on the importance of agriculture to human existence. They were introduced to the term organic agriculture where they are better able to appreciate the benefits of organic agriculture to humans. They were excited when they saw aspects of agriculture on the multimedia and on the farms, market and grocery. They enjoyed drawing, colouring and making of collages of plants and animals. They realized that their meals came from either food crop that were planted or animals that were reared. Their interest in the aspects of agriculture were fueled by the field trip to the University of the West Indies Agricultural Field Station where they saw crops grown; followed by their touring of the market and supermarket where they witnessed the buying and selling of the crops that can be grown not only locally but from other islands in the Caribbean. They saw animals when they visited Eastern Caribbean of Agriculture and Forestry. They were very intrigued by the animals and their young. The highlight of their day was when they were able to see up close a piglet and the chicks. The students had hands on experience when they transplanted food crops and ornamental plants. They learned plant propagation through air-layering and cuttings. They were able to place organic mulch (cocoa husks) in their ornamental plants. They were able to work cooperatively in pairs and groups. The class group dynamics were developed.
Most of the students live in urban communities. Before this project, they had basic knowledge of plants and animals from books and television. Some students had ornamental plants at home. Most of the students had never had hands on experience in planting or rearing of animals. The experiences were therefore new and will have a long term effect on their understanding of food and agriculture. Because the school is in a heavily built-up area and is mostly concrete, the plants and outdoor classroom have changed the ambience to allow for more relaxed interaction among students and between teachers and students.