A seven-week, agriculture-based pilot at the Frederick Smith Secondary School has re-engaged 15 at-risk boys, showing measurable gains in attendance, teamwork and practical skills while generating saleable products from hydroponic farming, officials said.

The project ended on Monday with a closing ceremony for the “Learning Cooperative: Securing Futures, Saving Lives” initiative at the Trents, St James school.

The learning cooperative, co-organised with the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, engaged students in practical agricultural and entrepreneurial activities, showing how combining academic theory with revenue-generating farming can improve engagement, develop leadership and strengthen socio-emotional skills.