On October 12, over 40 students participating in the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited’s (NGC) Inspire2Achieve (I2A) Programme planted 42 feet of vetiver grass and 30 fruit trees at Vessigny Secondary School.
Jointly executed by IAMovement and Advisors Next Door, the activity was envisioned to serve as an example of sustainable practices which can help protect and preserve the natural environment of the school and wider community.
With the I2A programme seeking to educate and empower students living with NGC’s fence line communities, the activity is also in line with the project’s mission to engage students in topics of sustainability, entrepreneurship and technology.
Before the activity, students were taught about the proper methods for planting vetiver grass which is a nature-based solution that is highly effective in stabilising slopes and controlling erosion.
With rural communities across Trinidad and Tobago, like Vessigny, being vulnerable to climate change and its effects during extreme weather events, it is important for schools and communities to respond.
According to the 2019 Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment of Trinidad and Tobago, areas like Vessigny are classified as high risk for landslides.
In describing the activity, IAMovement’s Managing Director, Kevan Kalapnath-Maharaj, said, “We are proud to support impactful projects that empower our youth with the knowledge and tools they need to combat climate change and restore ecosystems.
“The event demonstrates our ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable practices, empowering youth and building community resilience for a better tomorrow.”
As a student participating in the I2A programme, Kacey Brown shared, “Today’s event gave us insight into environmental conservation, climate mitigation strategies, climate adaptation and even the business aspects of these topics.
“(It was all done) with the intention of encouraging us to make the change and inform others of what we have learnt, so that one day we can achieve a disaster- free future.”
On October 13, the world celebrated International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction under the theme “Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster Free Future.”
The fruit trees and vetiver grass planted by the I2A participants aptly reflected the theme as this new vegetation will not only reduce the likelihood of landslips but also help sequester carbon, the primary greenhouse gas that drives climate change.
NGC describes the event as a continued representation of its commitment to climate action with an emphasis on education and collaboration to drive nature-based solutions that support Trinidad and Tobago’s environmental and disaster preparedness goals.
NGC’s Sustainability Manager Mr. Mario Singh said, “Immediate action is essential in the fight against climate change. This event unites young leaders to contribute to meaningful solutions, utilizing tools like nature-based approaches to drive positive climate impact.”
About NGC’s I2A Programme
NGC Inspire2Achieve is a transformative youth development initiative aimed at nurturing leadership, innovation, and sustainability among young people in Trinidad and Tobago.
Through educational programmes, mentorship, and hands-on projects, Inspire2Achieve empowers students to become proactive contributors to their communities and the world at large.
The programme, which initially launched in La Brea in 2023, has been widely embraced by the community as a significant success.
Building on this momentum, the programme is set to expand into a second NGC fence line community, Claxton Bay, with the kick-off expected in the 2024/2025 academic year.
