CENTRAL Andros High School has a thriving, diverse agricultural programme.

Under the direction of teacher Shivananda Ackloo, the students raise livestock such as turkeys, goats and sheep. Students also oversee the production of vegetables and decorative plants. The plants are grown in a greenhouse and include bell sweet peppers, scallions, bok choy, chives, endive and majesty palms.

Mr Ackloo said even though much has been accomplished, there are still some challenges.

He listed the rocky land and a lack of fencing and materials.

Mr Ackloo explained that the aim of the programme is to expose students to a variety of agricultural experiences, so that when they leave school they can consider choosing a career in the field of agriculture.

As an incentive, the school has donated pairs of sheep and goats to nine male students in grades seven through 12 to help them get a start as entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector.

Additionally, the male students and four female students from grades eight through 10 have been given seedlings to cultivate vegetable gardens in their communities.

The Central Andros High School Agriculture Department gifted a pair of goats to St George’s High School in Freeport, Grand Bahama to enhance their agriculture programme as well.