RADA greenhouse training programme breaks new ground for the deaf

Empowering the deaf community through training in agriculture is in keeping the long-term plan of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining in ensuring that Jamaica can meet the challenges of climate change and other emerging climatic threats to farming, according to State Minister Franklin Witter.

“The use of greenhouses plays a critical role in mitigating some of the challenges of these unpredictable and harsh weather conditions. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that allows for year-round cultivation. So the skills you have acquired are not only relevant to entrepreneurship, but also instrumental in addressing the challenges associated with food security,” Witter said during the recent Climate Smart Greenhouse Production Training graduation ceremony at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf in Knockpatrick, Manchester.

Describing the 21 deaf graduates as ambassadors of change with the power to inspire others, Witter promised to provide further support to the deaf community.

“I want to make sure that we continue to give them support so when they shall have left this institution they get the kind of support that they need, so that they can continue their work, their efforts to fulfil their ambitions and be a part of the agriculture sector, the state minister explained.

MAJOR SUCCESS

The 10-week course, which was the first of its kind undertaken by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies and the Jamaica Red Cross, was hailed as a major success which will serve as a template for other training courses with the deaf.

“All the agencies involved rose to the challenge and designed a programme tailored to meet the needs of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf and is in keeping with our mandate for the 21st Century not to allow any barriers or obstacles to prevent us from disseminating information to any stakeholder or institution that wishes to enter into agricultural production as a business of source of livelihood,” Winston Miller told The Gleaner. In fact, the RADA parish manager for Manchester disclosed that it might be practical for its staff members to engage in learning Jamaican Sign Language (JSL).

“Very soon, we will need to have our officers trained in sign language so we can seamlessly take on the challenges across Jamaica to provide training and other information to persons with disabilities,” he said, directing his remarks to the chief executive officer of RADA, Winston Simpson.

Meanwhile, describing the training as a ground-breaking initiative, Simpson said it represented RADA’s pioneering step into providing greenhouse production training to individuals who are hearing impaired.

“Over the past weeks, we have witnessed the convergence of dedication, resilience and innovation in a unique blend that has defined this historic training initiative. The focus on greenhouse production has not only broken ground in terms of agricultural training, but also opened doors to the inclusivity and accessibility to people with other physical challenges. This pioneering effort is expanding the horizon for education and training ensuring that no community or individual is left behind. The programme has not only provided practical training, but also sown the seeds of possibilities for a future where barriers are dismantled and opportunities are extended to all,” he declared.

Country Plan Manager for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Cherl Lewis used the occasion to explain that the agency had developed a 2030 strategy, which is a platform for change, which will be used to guide the organisation in terms of the need for dedicated attention to the vulnerable, the excluded and marginalised who are the communities it serves.

“As we can see all around us, crises and disasters are becoming more common. We also recognise that they are becoming more costly in terms of our ability to respond and are also becoming more concentrated among the populations that are in this status quo. Recognising these global challenges the IFRC has developed arrangements with the Jamaica Red Cross and through these have developed a country agreement under which we partner on a range of programmes.”

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