The EFJ has supported Projects within current and previous funding themes as captured below. It is always encouraging to see outcomes from successfully implemented Projects and programmes that advance EFJ’s Mission in the area of Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources Management.
Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources Management
Dallas Castle, Mango Valley, Irwin High and Jamaica 4H
During the last year the EFJ continued its Alternative Energy thematic focus and funded a number of projects that would move the programme from demonstration mode into active energy production both for energy independence and income generation. Four such projects are Mango Valley and Dallas Castle Farmers, Irwin High School and the 4H Training Centre at Denbigh. The Dallas Castle and Mango Valley Farmers groups in St Mary and St Andrew were both funded and assisted to implement solar and biogas energy systems to provide light and power from their agro processing industries. These facilities are now 100% independent in their generation of solar electricity in their production of various fruit based products for the local market. In St James Irwin High School is now generating solar electric power for the school’s computer and science labs as well as night lighting on the campus. The 4H training center in Denbigh offers training in heavy duty machines. Following a successful pilot project in bio diesel, the EFJ subsequently funded that organization to establish a bio diesel unit. This unit now receives used cooking oil from restaurants around May Pen which it processes into bio diesel to fuel the tractors used in the training programme.
Minister of Education Andrew Holness observes solar electric panel at Irwin High School, St. James
Edwin Allen High School Water Harvesting and Waste Management Project
Edwin Allen, located on the bank of the Rio Minho, has over many years sought to mitigate any negative effect on the river from wastewater runoff arising from activities on the compound. The school pumps several hundred litres of water from the river daily, which is used for washing and effluent discharge in the bathrooms and pig farm. With the support of EFJ the school has been able to construct two bio digesters that now treat the effluent and provide bio gas for the school’s science labs. The run off from this process is being further treated to water the schools sports field.
Biodigester under construction at Edwin High School
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Following on the success of efforts to facilitate community participation in the redevelopment programme at the National Heroes Park, the EFJ made a decision to encourage the development of green spaces in communities for relaxation and aesthetics. These projects are implemented largely with voluntary labour with EFJ providing support for infrastructure and play equipment. A number of these projects were successfully completed during the year and were considered to be highly successful in enhancing social interaction among residents. They provide a relaxing meeting place for adults and play areas for children.
Community Green Space in Melrose Mews Housing Complex
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The EFJ continues to impact on the upper water watersheds and other areas of the island. Active projects remain ongoing in the Rio Cobre, Rio Minho, Yallahs, and Dunns River Wag Water watersheds . Farmers’ groups are significant beneficiaries in these projects. Organizations such as the Forestry Department, RADA, SDC and the College of Agriculture also act as partners in the areas of training, seedling production and project promotion.
EFJ in reinforcing its commitment to wildlife and biodiversity conservation has provided funding support to the Seven Oaks Sanctuary for Wildlife towards the establishment of an Investment Grant for operational costs of the facility and to generate income for its sustainability fund. The SOS Facility serves as one of two authorised rescue centres for wild animals inclusive of Jamaican endemic species. SOS Wildlife has gained both local and international acclaim as an educational entity for children and adults, as well as a save sanctuary for Jamaican endemic fauna.
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