FERNCOURT High School in St Ann is set to benefit from reduced water expenses and improved agricultural output, following the recent handover of a rainwater harvesting system to the school by the JN Foundation.

The system was officially handed over recently as part of the JN Foundation’s observance of World Water Day, aligning with this year’s theme, ‘Impacts of Glacial Degradation in the Land of Wood and Water’.

Designed to support the school’s water needs, including for its farming activities, the system will help reduce its reliance on external water sources.

Highlighting the significance of the project, Omar Wright, lead for environment and community development programmes at JN Foundation, pointed out that the donated system along with other water conservation and water use efficiency practices has the potential to reduce the school’s water bill, which is approximately $250,000 per month, by 30 per cent.

This reduction could save the school up to $75,000 each month, allowing those savings to be redirected into other vital areas.

“The system was designed to promote water conservation and efficiency. It has four main components with the first being a large surface area to collect rainwater. There’s also a meshed guttering system that channels the water to a central location while keeping out dust and other contaminants, secure storage tanks to hold the water, and a pump to distribute it throughout the school,” explained Wright.

Reuben Fullerton, vice-principal at Ferncourt, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that it will help enhance the school’s sustainability efforts. He shared that the institution has faced serious challenges with water reliability, leading to the loss of crops and chickens.

“We use [water] for everything including supplying the farm, and I can assure you that this project will cut our water bill drastically,” he said.

The school’s farm spans approximately three and a half to four acres and its agriculture programme provides hands-on learning experiences for students interested in pursuing careers in agriculture and environmental management.

Additionally the programme supports the school’s feeding initiative, supplying chickens raised on the farm to the canteen for student meals.

“Before this system, we had a challenge of getting water every day, but now we’re getting water all the time. Our crops [and livestock] are happy because they are getting water frequently. As soon as rain falls, it is saved and sent to other storage areas on the farm so we have a circular system happening,” said Fullerton.

He pointed the plan is to replicate the new water harvesting system across the school to further strengthen its water management.

According to Fullerton, maintenance will be done in collaboration with Tyrone Rose, a past student of Ferncourt High and an environmental consultant water specialist at H20 Technical Services Limited.

The vice-principal said the new system has already helped to uncover hidden defects in the school’s old piping, which are now being addressed.

“We are going to ensure that as a school we maintain this system because you have given us a start and we are going to make models of it right across the school,” added Fullerton.

The idea for the rainwater harvesting project at Ferncourt High was brought to life when the JN Circle Ocho Rios, Port Maria and Gayle Chapter submitted a proposal to the JN Foundation for support.

Pixley Irons, another past student and president of the JN Circle Chapter, welcomed the donation and thanked the school for embracing it. He also emphasised the positive impact it will have on the school community.

“I think this is a very good project and I know that it will be very helpful to the school, knowing the high water costs the school has been facing,” said Irons.

According to Claudine Allen, general manager of JN Foundation, the donation underscores its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

Allen said the foundation’s team is keenly focused on building the capacity of community agencies to achieve meaningful change.

“For the past two years, JN has invested approximately $30 million in initiatives like this, and that’s a big deal for us,” said Allen.

“It takes effort, dedication from the employees of the JN Foundation and JN Group, and strong leadership from our members to guide us in the right direction of where to invest,” added Allen.