The Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF) has launched a new European Union (EU)-funded regional initiative to strengthen food security, improve nutrition, enhance education and build climate resilience across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Dominica.
The initiative will use ten schools across the four participating countries as demonstration sites to promote sustainable food systems, improve nutrition and strengthen climate resilience among students and their surrounding communities. By integrating agriculture, education and environmental sustainability, the project aims to deliver practical, long-term solutions to some of the region’s most pressing development challenges.
Speaking at the launch, ZHTF Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Project Manager Safiya Horne-Bique underscored the importance of regional collaboration in building resilient food systems and empowering the next generation to become champions of sustainable development.
Ugnė Chmeliauskaitė, Head of the Global Europe Partnerships Division at the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), said the programme also seeks to strengthen partnerships among governments, educational institutions, civil society organisations and local communities. She noted that the initiative will encourage the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches that can be replicated across the region, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing food security, improving nutritional outcomes, expanding educational opportunities and building resilience to climate-related challenges.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr Kishore Shallow, said the project is expected to have a lasting impact beyond the classroom by encouraging community participation, increasing local food production and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Under the programme, the selected schools will serve as hubs for climate-smart agriculture, school gardening, nutrition education and sustainable food production. Students, teachers, parents and community members will participate in these activities, encouraging healthier eating habits while equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.
The Zero Hunger Trust Fund said it remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve food and nutrition security, leading to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to ending hunger, ensuring quality education, promoting good health and well-being, and taking meaningful action on climate change.
