SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland – On Tuesday, approximately 90 students from Grades 1 to 3 at Savanna-la-Mar Inclusive Infant Academy and their teachers were fascinated at the sight of plants growing in only water. That was just one of the highlights during their tour of the hydroponic farm and rainwater harvesting system at the Rockhouse Hotel and Spa in Negril.

The outing is part of a three-year project, by TUI Junior Academy Jamaica, to push for the inclusion of sustainability in the curricular of five schools in western Jamaica, benefiting 1,400 students. A primary element of the project is full solarisation and water harvesting systems at Sav Inclusive, which was established in 2017 to cater to children with learning disabilities. Launched earlier this year, the academy was established through a partnership between Rockhouse Foundation and TUI Care Foundation.

During Tuesday’s tour, the children were excited to view the variety of vegetables at different stages of growth being nurtured by water. With the assistance of Dwayne St Hill, operator of the hydroponic farm and his team, students were able to make comparisons and draw contrasts to the way plants are grown at school and home.

“It is important for our students to understand that water harvesting is possible and that harvested rainwater can be used not only for farming but to provide water for themselves,” said school Principal Renee Rennalls.