The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Center is proud to partner with the Special Education Needs (SEN) Programme at Sir Novelle Richards Academy in delivering a groundbreaking, skills-based initiative that is redefining inclusive education in Antigua and Barbuda.
This pioneering 12-week Customer Service and Hospitality, Backyard Gardening and Hydroponics Workshop officially commenced on February 2, 2026, with funding provided by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda under the leadership of the Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education. The programme represents a significant step forward in ensuring that students with special educational needs are equipped with practical, marketable skills that prepare them for meaningful participation in society.
Seventeen SEN students, supported by four dedicated teachers, began the programme with structured training in customer service and hospitality sectors that are vital to Antigua and Barbuda’s service-oriented economy. Through experiential learning methods such as role-play, guided interaction, and hands-on activities, students are developing essential competencies including communication, workplace etiquette, teamwork, confidence, and personal responsibility.
On February 4, 2026, the programme expanded to include Backyard Gardening, facilitated by Extension Officer Efuru from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Division, in collaboration with the GARD Center. Students were introduced to seed germination, basic plant care, and the early stages of crop production. This interactive session emphasized sustainability, food security, and responsibility, while also nurturing patience and pride in tangible outcomes.
The GARD Center recognizes the vision and leadership of Ms. Latoya Honoré, Head of the Special Education Needs Department, whose commitment to preparing SEN students for life beyond the classroom has been instrumental to the programme’s success. As Ms. Honoré noted, this initiative marks a shift from viewing students through the lens of limitation to recognizing their capacity for contribution and productivity when given the right opportunities and support.
The programme is being implemented with the support of a committed teaching team: Mrs. Sindy Parker (Integrated Science), Ms. Jordane Roberts (Mathematics), Ms. Latoya Honoré (English and Head of Department – SEN), and Ms. Andrea Wynter (Social Science). Early observations from teachers point to increased student engagement, improved self-confidence, and stronger social interaction among participants.
From the GARD Center’s perspective, this initiative goes beyond education it is an investment in national development. By exposing students with special educational needs to skills in hospitality and sustainable agriculture, the programme creates pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency. It aligns closely with national priorities in workforce development, social inclusion, and economic resilience, while also contributing to long-term food security.
Equally significant is the programme’s role in challenging outdated perceptions about disability. It demonstrates clearly that when students are given access to practical training and real-world learning environments, they can thrive, contribute, and add value to their communities.
As the 12-week workshop continues, the GARD Center looks forward to deepening its collaboration with Sir Novelle Richards Academy, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Agriculture. We are confident that this initiative will serve as a replicable model for inclusive vocational education across Antigua and Barbuda showcasing the transformative power of partnership, purposeful training, and belief in every learner’s potential.
The GARD Center remains committed to supporting programmes that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for our nation.