The One Eleuthera Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds vocational education training centers in The Bahamas, in both Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Its technical programs provide hands-on training for a number of different careers, in order to promote “sustainable social and economic empowerment and development” within its community.

Poverty and Food Insecurity in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a fairly wealthy country, with a GDP of $13.2 billion USD. However, this outward facing wealth masks “important structural, social, and economic challenges” that require attention. Issues like poor infrastructure, marked income inequality and vulnerability to natural disasters deeply affect the population of The Bahamas and contribute to the relatively high rate of poverty.

The percentage of people living below the poverty line rose from 9.3% in 2001 to 12.8% in 2013, the last time the Household Expenditure Survey was conducted. In addition, the rate of poverty is almost double the average in households where the head does not possess any sort of formal schooling, sitting at 25%.

Many families in The Bahamas are also dealing with issues of food insecurity. The lack of infrastructure makes it difficult to monitor this issue. However, it is apparent through the fact that many people, especially children in school, have considerable difficulty accessing nutritious food. Because The Bahamas has a small landmass and does not possess an ideal geography for agriculture, they are heavily dependent on food that is imported from other countries. This makes healthy, high quality food more expensive and less accessible for the population. 

Providing Sustainable Solutions

Combatting both issues of poverty and food insecurity is the One Eleuthera Foundation, which is focused on sustainable community improvement. Its two Centers for Training and Innovation (CTI) provide education for a wide variety of careers, including courses in carpentry, culinary arts, sewing, housekeeping, electrical installation, plumbing, nail technology and many others. Its mission is to provide quality education to Bahamians, in order to allow them more and better employment opportunities to provide for themselves and their families. In June 2024, they had 63 students graduate from both of its vocational education training centers in The Bahamas, in Harbour Island and South Eleuthera.

However, what makes the CTI stand out from other vocational education training centers in The Bahamas (such as the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute) is its Training Farm. The goal of this farm is to educate farmers on sustainable and advanced growing techniques, and increase the amount of food grown locally. The facilities of the solar powered farm include a one acre greenhouse, a hydroponic pond, raised soil beds and a honey processing facility for local beekeepers to name a few. It also offers a variety of classes and workshops for local farmers year-round, either free of charge or at a very low cost.

Another element of its Training Farm is the Farmer’s Fresh Market, where residents can come and purchase fresh produce from the farm, as well as other local goods and specialty items. This is an incredible initiative that makes local, high quality fruits and vegetables more easily accessible to the population.

Looking Ahead

Poverty and food insecurity are still issues that impact the quality of life of Bahamians. However, through its CTI, the One Eleuthera Foundation is helping to build a community of people who are able to produce more food, as well as support both themselves and its economy. It is making a tangible positive impact, one student at a time.

– Delaney Gouveia

Delaney is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash