00:03smiles and applause from students at Malik Secondary School. The school marked the official
00:08opening of the Young Farmers Shade House on May 25th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The initiative
00:15falls under Republic Bank's power to make a difference corporate social responsibility
00:19program and was done in collaboration with the S.C. Maje Foundation. According to the bank,
00:25the Shade House was installed over the school's existing hydroponic system and integrated with
00:31a rainwater harvesting system. The bank says this is intended to strengthen sustainable agriculture
00:38and environmental practices, while giving the students aspiring to be farmers a dedicated space
00:44to explore their passion and gain hands-on experience. Speaking at the event, RBL's General
00:51Manager of Group Human Resources, Valdat Ramkisun, referred to the Shade House as more than just a
00:57physical structure. He said, quote, it is the opening of a space filled with possibility where innovation,
01:04sustainability, education and opportunity will grow side by side, end quote. Added to the rainwater
01:11harvesting system, Ramkisun further indicated that there is room for enhanced program delivery at the
01:17school. He said, quote, together these elements create an environment where students can develop
01:24practical, future-focused skills while learning the importance of climate resilience and responsible
01:31resource management, end quote. According to Republic Bank, the Young Farmers Club, which operates
01:37across several schools, is designed for a holistic approach to youth development. RBL says that includes
01:44structured, peer-led training sessions in leadership, business and climate-smart agricultural practices,
01:51all the while focusing on community engagement and sustainability. The Power to Make a Difference
01:57program has been running since 2004.
02:02Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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