Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 March 2026 — Ianthe Pratt Primary School continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental education and sustainable agriculture through the expansion of its Greening Our School Project, highlighted by the official opening of the school's hydroponics system.

As part of the continued development of the project, the school is focused on strengthening partnerships with the Department of Agriculture while also exploring opportunities for collaboration with parents, community members, and local organizations. These partnerships will help ensure the sustainability and growth of the initiative while fostering greater community involvement in environmental education.

The official opening of the hydroponics system serves as an opportunity to showcase the progress made by the school and its partners, while also highlighting the importance of innovative agricultural practices within the education system.

In addition to food production, the project also places strong emphasis on environmental responsibility and waste management. Students are being educated on proper waste separation and the correct use of recycling bins through refresher sessions each term.

The school is also exploring opportunities to introduce composting initiatives using garden waste where feasible, further reinforcing lessons in sustainability.

Monitoring and continuous improvement remain key priorities of the project. Progress will be documented through photographs, student reflections, and harvest logs, allowing students and staff to track growth and celebrate achievements. The project will also be reviewed annually to identify opportunities for expansion and further improvement.

Principal Neekimo King commented, “The hydroponics system represents more than just a new method of farming for Ianthe Pratt Primary School. It symbolizes innovation, sustainability, and the continued advancement of agricultural education within the school community. Through this initiative, students are gaining hands-on experience with modern farming techniques while developing a deeper understanding of food sustainability and the importance of agriculture.”

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Min. of Education stated, “This hydroponics farm represents far more than a physical structure. It is a living classroom, one that teaches our students responsibility, patience, innovation, and respect for the environment. As we celebrate today’s harvest of Pak Choy and lettuce, we are reminded that healthy food does not simply appear on our plates; it is grown with care, knowledge, and intention. I encourage our students to enjoy these fresh vegetables and to understand that eating healthy is one of the best investments you can make in your future, because a healthy body supports a strong mind. The Department of Education has been deliberate and strategic in introducing farming concepts into our curriculum and encouraging schools to integrate agriculture into their afterschool programmes. Through initiatives such as Farming in Schools, we are equipping students with practical life skills, exposing them to entrepreneurship, science, and sustainability, and helping them understand where food comes from and why it matters.”

Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Min. with responsibilities for Agriculture stated: "This is something we are genuinely proud of as a government. When you see this kind of initiative taking shape in one of our schools, you’re looking at the future in action. It speaks directly to what we are working to achieve, stronger food security, real nation building, and giving our young people an early start in understanding how to grow, produce, and take pride in what we consume. What makes this even more meaningful is the level of collaboration behind it. This is the result of ministries working together, alongside educators, parents, and the wider community, to create something practical and lasting. That kind of coordination is how we move the country forward.  And most importantly, our students are at the centre of it. They are getting their hands in the process, building skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands."

As the school officially opens this new chapter in the Greening Our School Project, sincere appreciation is extended to all partners, supporters, and community members who have contributed to its development and success.

Ianthe Pratt Primary School looks forward to seeing its students continue to learn, grow, and thrive through meaningful agricultural experiences, nurturing not only plants, but also the minds of the next generation.