The historical Botanical Gardens provides the setting for the second instalment of the Inter-School Garden Competition which kicks off today (Tuesday April 8) with increased participation from the nation’s schools.
The initiative is a joint undertaking of the ministries of education and agriculture and it is designed to highlight and promote agricultural education, sustainability, and hands-on learning/training.
The significant increase of participating schools of different levels ranging from pre, primary and secondary schools across the nation only confirms that the sector is moving in the right direction.
In 2024, only eleven schools participated.  “Having an increase to 26 participants which is a 138% increase.  Both ministries are indeed delighted and it shows that the efforts are not falling on barren ground” according to Carol-Faye Bynoe-George, Head of Communication in the Ministry of Agriculture and who also serves as head judge of the event.
According to George a panel of five judges has started visiting schools to evaluate their gardens based on key criteria such as design and layout, plant health, garden management, and record keeping. Schools are competing for a total score of 50 points and the criteria included other categories evaluating aspects such as visual impact, originality, soil conservation practices, pest control, and financial tracking of garden yields.
She identified the participating schools as; Ottos Comprehensive School, Mills Academy, Maria Holder Preschool, TN Kirnon Primary, Green Bay Primary School, Villa Preschool, Adele School, Glanvilles Secondary, Pares Secondary, Pares Primary, Clare Hall Secondary, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, Old Road, Freetown, Bolans and Jennings Primary schools, Jennings Secondary and Sir McChestney George Secondary of Barbuda, all of which have put effort into developing their gardens. It was observed by the judges that the pre-schools and primary schools’ gardens were quite impressive when compared with those for the secondary schools.
Sadly, she noted, both Cedar Grove Primary and Villa Primary dropped out the races, this was very disappointing for the judges because in 2024 these schools showed so much promise. Â Last year both schools were outstanding, it was anticipated that there would have been continuity.
Meanwhile, the following schools have now confirmed their participation, Eleven Hours Daycare & Preschool, Sir Luther Wynter, Ocean View, Yah Weyh and Simon Bolivar preschools
This initiative is not only a competition but also an avenue to foster agricultural awareness, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurship among students. Through their involvement, students gain practical experience in growing crops, managing resources and tracking productivity- skills that align with national food security and sustainability efforts.
As the competition progresses, anticipation builds for the announcement of the winners, who will be recognized for their excellence in school gardening.
