First Lady launches garden project to stir children’s interest in agriculture
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2012
First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar giving students a tour of the newly launched Garden for the Children of Guyana
A section of State House was transformed into a demonstration plot for the first ever ‘Garden for the Children of Guyana’, an initiative spearheaded by First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar to stir botany and agricultural interest in the nation’s youth.
The garden located on the southern end of the Head of State’s residence is a showcase of different methods of cultivation, beginning with the traditional garden method that is both inexpensive and accessible, hydroponics which excludes the use of soil in cultivation and the raised bed gardening that allows plants to grow closer, conserves water and provides improved aeration of the roots.
The concept which is in keeping with activities to observe International Children’s Day, was inspired by the First Lady’s past work and interaction with children in botanical gardens where she observed their joys, enthusiasm and delight from active involvement in the exercise.
First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar giving Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yu Wenzhe a tour of the Garden for the Children of Guyana
“Their expressions moved from pure curiosity to fascination and then to animated excitement. That simple experiment ignited in them a lifelong interest in science. Stimulating interest in science is one way Guyana can build greater human capacity and thus contribute to national development,” the First Lady said.
Speaking at the launch of the activity on the State House lawns the First Lady was optimistic about the initiative and the impact that it will engender for the youth population that it is targeting.
“I want to honour the children of Guyana in a practical way by perking their interest and by involving them in an activity that I believe will produce tangible benefits,” Mrs. Ramotar said.
First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar speaking at the launch of the Garden for the Children of Guyana project
After explaining in detail the different types of garden processes, the First Lady said she plans to make the initiative a countrywide one with the hope of influencing the learning abilities of children for nature agriculture, botany, food and nutrition.
“I would like to encourage children, teachers and parents to be part of this drive to revive interest in gardens. No matter how small is the available space in your yard or school, you can develop a small patch into a kitchen garden or flower garden,” Mrs. Ramotar explained.
The initiative which can also be considered a kitchen garden has a two-fold objective of supplementing the nationwide Grow More Food campaign initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Her husband, President Donald Ramotar who joined in witnessing the launch of the garden said he was fully cognizant of her enthusiasm in such initiatives, coming from an agricultural background.
President Donald Ramotar speaking at the launch of the Garden for the Children of Guyana project
The Head of State regards agriculture a very noble profession which has regrettably been frowned upon but, should now be treated with dignity.
Given the role it plays in development, contributing to the country’s gross domestic product, President Ramotar said agriculture is still a focal sector.
