US$50,000 Grant to Fund Hydroponic Farm and Training for Autistic People

By Observer News Desk
The Blue Dragonfly Foundation has received a US$50,000 grant to establish a hydroponic farm in John Hughes that will provide vocational training and work opportunities for autistic people in Antigua and Barbuda.
The funding comes from the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. The farm will form part of the foundation’s developing site at Mount Tabor, where trainees will gain experience in planting, harvesting, packing and customer service. An on-site learning centre will provide visual learning and communication resources, along with sensory tools.
The farm will sit beside an artisan pizzeria, another foundation project being developed to offer restaurant and hospitality training. Produce from the farm is expected to supply the restaurant, with surplus available to the wider community.
Founder and chief executive Caroline Hopton said the grant would help the foundation establish training and employment opportunities for autistic people who have limited options after leaving school. She said the farm would offer a supported route towards paid work while contributing to local food security.
Natalya Lawrence, national coordinator of the Small Grants Programme in Antigua and Barbuda, said the project brings together climate-conscious food production, vocational training and pathways to employment.
The foundation, a registered non-profit organisation, already operates the Blue Dragonfly Thrift & Gift Store. The Small Grants Programme says it has supported more than 70 community-led projects in Antigua and Barbuda since its establishment here.