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DCALFA in Action: From Inspiration to Implementation in Sint Maarten

What began as a spark of inspiration during the second DCALFA gathering in 2023 in Aruba—then known as the Dutch Caribbean Visioning Process (DCVP)—has now blossomed into tangible impact on the ground.

While visiting a successful school-based hydroponics initiative in Aruba, members from Sint Maarten were inspired by the potential such a project could have back home. Fast forward to today, and that vision has taken root: a hydroponics train-the-trainers program is now being implemented in eight schools across Sint Maarten.

This initiative is more than just a new way of growing food—it’s an investment in youth education, food security, and sustainable innovation. By training local educators and integrating hydroponics into school curricula, the program introduces students to cutting-edge agricultural practices, encourages environmental stewardship, and builds essential skills for the future.

This is how regional collaboration plants real seeds of change.

DCALFA’s role in sparking and supporting these connections exemplifies the power of inter-island learning, shared vision, and grassroots action. When we collaborate across borders, we grow stronger together—literally and figuratively.

For more details, check out the full article on Soualiga Newsday: The Ministry of TEATT Launches Hydroponics Train-the-Trainers Pilot Project in Schools