“At the school farm we are responsible for the SBA, or the school-based Agricultural Practical aspect of the CXC program. These chicks that we are received on Tuesday morning will form a part of that program,” so says Manager of the Government Central School Farm, Mr. Lindbergh Belle as he highlighted the positive impact these first batch of locally hatched chicks would have from the recently commissioned, Layer Chicken Breeder Farm and Hatchery in St. Kitts.

Mr. Belle also stated that this is an excellent way forward for agriculture, education and health. 

The Central School Farm plays a vital role in producing fresh food including fruits, vegetables, and eggs—for the public school system. With the arrival of these locally hatched chicks, the farm is expected to supply high-quality, farm-fresh eggs directly to schools on the island.

This is a way forward for the inclusion of students to participate, providing hands-on experience in modern farming practices and it forms part of the School-Based Assessment (SBA) for students enrolled in the CXC agricultural programs.

Further, Mr. Belle explained that the chicks represent more than just an agricultural progress, but they directly impact what students eat. With this addition, the farm can monitor and provide healthier, fresher meals in school feeding programs while teaching students firsthand how food is grown and raised, and it supports the national vision of sustainability and food sovereignty.