THURSDAY MAY 26, 2022: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – After securing funding through the Digicel Foundation, Digicel Learning & Development Manager, Mrs. Sheba Daniel-Gonzales was thrilled to be on location earlier this month to witness the development of a hydroponic system at the Islamic Home for Children, located in Gasparillo.
In January, for yet another year, the Digicel Foundation opened the EPIC applications to its staff members encouraging them to be change agents in their communities. Up for grabs, was three grants valued at TT $30,000 each. Mrs. Sheba Daniel-Gonzales, Learning & Development Manager, partnered with the Brandt Beauty Foundation to provide food sustainability through a hydroponics system to the St Vincent de Paul Home for Senior Citizens, located in San Fernando.
The project at the Seniors Home cost a total of $11,558.00TTD and as such, the Islamic Home for Children, located in Gasparillo was pinpointed to also receive its very own hydroponic system. Sheba Daniel-Gonzales shared, “It was a fantastic opportunity to be a part of both projects and serve the community in a tangible way.” She added, “Participating in this way and partnering with Jeanine taught me that no act of kindness is too small ... no help is too little, and every contribution makes a difference.”
Founder of the Brandt Beauty Foundation and the reigning Miss Trinidad and Tobago World, Ms. Jeanine Brandt said, “This hydroponic system is self-sufficient, low maintenance and efficient, with the seedlings harvesting crops within 2 to 5 weeks after being planted.” She continued, “With the generous sponsorship of the Digicel Foundation, we can create food sustainability at these homes, and reap enough produce to feed over 100 persons.”
EPIC is a grant initiative opened to registered community groups to fund indoor and outdoor community projects. To date, with an investment of TT$4.5 million, the Digicel Foundation has partnered with varying community groups to implement 120 EPIC initiatives, impacting over 50,000 persons throughout Trinidad and Tobago.