Twenty-seven (27) students at the LN Coakley High School in Exuma are set to benefit from the donation and installation of a new chicken coop to support practical aspects of Animal and Crop Science Horticulture subjects offered in the school’s curriculum.

Chicken coops not only provide safety and shelter to chickens, but provide a safe, accessible, and effective way to produce food. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation, expressed delight in the implementation of this project, which saw farming concepts being introduced to schools’ curriculum via practical learning.

“Encouraging students to engage with these farming methods contributes to their learning and development in school curriculum and teaches them sustainable means of supplying food to their community. This project is, in part, a contribution to a wider food security initiative fortified by the Sandals Foundation, emphasizing the promotion of healthy eating habits, sustainability and entrepreneurship opportunities for generations to come.”

The Sandals Foundation, for its part, has facilitated the construction of the coop, including plumbing, installation of ventilation, construction of twelve (12) nesting areas, wash areas, a recreation area and fencing; the project is valued at some USD $15,000.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony on Thursday, December 7, Jeremy Mutton, General Manager at Sandals Emerald Bay Resort, said, “This new chicken coop, it is hope will give facilitate the opportunity for teachers and students to deep dive into the practical curriculum, gaining the needed skills in what can become part of your employability or entrepreneurship pursuits. We are even more excited to be part of this project as produce from this chicken coop will be even further invested into the expansion of the school’s program which provides a strong foundation for interested students to pursue higher level studies in animal and crop science horticulture”.