EPIC MOVE FOR FOOD SUSTAINABILITY IN GREENVALE

MONDAY MARCH 14, 2022: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Digicel staff members were once again challenged earlier this year to submit applications for funding for projects that will create positive change within their communities. Senior VAS and billing Engineer, John Ramirez, stepped forward and applied on behalf of the Greenvale Park Police Youth Club to expand its agriculture initiative by incorporating a hydroponics system at the Greenvale Park Community.

Out of seven internal applications, three projects including Mr. Ramirez’s project was selected to receive funding valued at TT$30,000.   Last week via a brief presentation, the cheque was handed over to Greenvale Park Police Youth Club for the setup of a hydroponics unit in the Greenvale community.  The group will offer training to interested youth in this method of soil-less farming.

Leader of the Greenvale Park Police Youth Club, WPC Susan Sorzano shared, “This project directly addresses the specific socioeconomic and entrepreneurial needs of at-risk youths. The project will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to establish and maintain hydroponic crop systems, a simple and sustainable option to provide food and decrease family and community expenditure.”

In 2019, the Greenvale Park Police Youth Club was a recipient of an EPIC grant valued at $35,000 TTD for the establishment of an aquaponics system. The community was able to benefit from the produce during the COVID 19 lockdown.

Staff applications ranged from refurbishments of community spaces, community park upgrades, installation of hydroponics systems, and awareness programmes. EPIC is a grant initiative opened to registered community groups to fund indoor and outdoor community projects within 6-8 weeks. To date, with an investment of TT$3.4million the Digicel Foundation has partnered with varying community groups to implement 103 EPIC initiatives, impacting over 48,977 persons throughout Trinidad and Tobago.