Investing in the Future Through Sustainable Agriculture & Youth

Lead CTI farmer, Jade Sands, guides the Preston H. Albury High School students on how to appropriately space and plant the young lettuce plants.

Investing in the Future Through Sustainable Agriculture & Youth

OEF and CTI are supporting the Preston H. Albury (PHA) High School in cultivating a transformative agri-educational experience for high school students through Hydroponic farming and the expansion of the school’s immersive farm. Our recent donation of a Hydroponic Tower Growing System and lettuce seedlings has already proven fruitful, producing multiple heads of lush and robust Crystal and Mixed Asian lettuces that complement the selection of produce already being grown by the students.

Trays of vibrant lettuce seedlings cultivated at the CTI Farm were also donated to the school and planted in the Hydroponic Grow Tower donated by OEF/CTI.

The PHA farm serves as an interactive, outdoor classroom, providing students with direct exposure to sustainable farming practices and food production systems. Through hands-on learning, students gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and how agriculture impacts health, the environment, and the economy.

For OEF, this project is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about food security, promote environmental stewardship, and empower youth with the knowledge and confidence to become the next generation of farmers, scientists, environmental advocates, and agri-entrepreneurs.

It offers an opportunity to connect education to real-world challenges. Students actively engage in growing food, while simultaneously learning essential STEM skills such as biology, environmental science, and soil health. Additionally, they are introduced to business and entrepreneurship concepts through real-world farming activities and the opportunity to sell their produce, thereby reinvesting in the supplies and equipment needed to maintain the farming operation.

These invaluable lessons not only teach students about the importance of local food systems and nutrition but also help develop a sense of personal responsibility, leadership, and environmental stewardship. By investing in youth agricultural education, we instill a sense of pride and ownership in our students while providing them with the tools they need to build a more sustainable and resilient future for themselves and our communities.

We are one community with a shared vision to create resilient, thriving, and self-sufficient individuals and food-secure communities on Eleuthera for this generation and the next.

The next phase of this transformative project requires $14,000 to purchase additional equipment and the necessary supplies to maintain the momentum that has started and expand the farm’s operation.

The Hydroponic Tower Growing System donated by OEF as a community grant, is designed to support repeated use, ensuring that the farm’s productivity and educational value are sustained over the long term. This investment will also strengthen the school’s commitment to food security, nutrition, and environmental education while providing students with an opportunity to explore agriculture as a viable career path.