The Sandy Point Agricultural Society Ltd, in collaboration with Republic Bank (EC) Limited (RBEC), is making significant strides in empowering youth through agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis. This partnership has led to the launch of the Youth in Agriculture Farm School, an initiative aimed at equipping young people with essential farming skills, while fostering food security and economic sustainability in the region.
The program, which officially launched in 2025, held its opening ceremony at the Liberation Farm in Sandy Point. It was designed to provide hands-on agricultural education to youth, fostering a new generation of agropreneurs. The Youth in Agriculture Farm School aims to teach participants valuable skills that will help them succeed in the agricultural industry, while also addressing the growing concern of food security in the country.
The initiative will engage youth as young as four years old, with the goal of nurturing their interest in agriculture and providing them with the skills needed to succeed. Over the course of the program, students will learn every aspect of farming, from land preparation to sowing seeds, transplanting, caring for plants, harvesting, post-harvesting, and agro-processing. These skills will prepare them for future careers in agriculture, and give them the knowledge to start their own agricultural ventures.
As part of the program, eighty students will gain hands-on experience by growing a variety of crops, including watermelon, cabbage, sweet pepper, cucumber, cauliflower, and broccoli. The sales from these crops will fund future cohorts, creating a self-sustaining model that ensures the long-term success and expansion of the initiative. This approach will allow future generations of students to benefit from the program, building a strong foundation for agricultural development in the country.
The focus on food security is critical, as St. Kitts and Nevis faces challenges with a high food import bill. The Youth in Agriculture Farm School addresses this issue by promoting local agricultural production and reducing reliance on imported goods. By teaching students how to grow their own food, the program encourages self-sufficiency and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
The program is not only about teaching farming techniques, but also about creating a lasting impact on the agricultural sector. Through this initiative, students will gain valuable skills that will help them become leaders in the agriculture industry, contributing to the growth and development of St. Kitts and Nevis’ economy. By focusing on youth, the program aims to inspire a new generation of farmers and entrepreneurs who are committed to improving food security and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture.
In addition to Republic Bank’s support, the program has received contributions from other local entities, including Epic Agri Fusion, TDC Home and Building Depot, and the Department of Agriculture. These partnerships have strengthened the initiative and ensured that it has the resources needed to succeed.
The Youth in Agriculture Farm School is part of Republic Bank’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility through its Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) Programme. The PMAD Programme aims to create lasting change by investing in education, agriculture, and social services across the East Caribbean. Through this initiative, Republic Bank is fostering sustainable development and empowering communities to thrive.
By investing in the future of agriculture and youth education, Republic Bank is helping to build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector in St. Kitts and Nevis. This initiative not only equips young people with practical skills but also encourages them to take ownership of their futures, contributing to the growth of a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural industry in the region.
