Did you know that old banana peels and apple cores can turn into “black gold”? It might sound like magic, but it’s actually science!
In celebration of International Compost Awareness Week, to be held in May, young artists across the region put their thinking caps on and their coloured pencils to paper for a very special art competition. The challenge? To design a bookmark that shows how we can turn food waste into healthy soil.
The Big Idea: Feed the Soil
The competition wasn’t just about drawing pretty pictures; it was about solving a problem. The theme, Feed the soil that feeds us, asked kids to visualise how throwing away organic waste isn’t the only option. Instead, we can compost it!
Students were encouraged to show how simple actions at home and school can help heal the planet. The goal was to help everyone understand that when we turn our scraps into nutrient-rich soil, we are helping the earth grow more food for the future. It’s all about living a “zero-waste” lifestyle.
And the Winner Is…
After looking through tons of creative entries, the judges have made their decision. The winning design belongs to Nishae Williams, a talented seven-year-old artist!
Nishae’s design beautifully captured the transformation of organic waste into that precious “black gold” (compost) that farmers and gardeners love.
Her artwork is so impressive that it is being professionally printed. These special bookmarks will be distributed to four schools in San Fernando this month. It’s all part of the “Black Gold” school tour, sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, helping to spread the message even further.
Everyone’s a Winner
A big shout-out goes to all our creative participants: Nishae Williams (age seven), Rahul Seecharan (age six), Jayydell Browne (age ten), Jahhdell Browne (age eight), Kitai Moreno (age ten), Faith Marie Moreno (age 13), Ailan Morris (age eight), Keziya Meridin (age five), Aaliyah Patrick (age 13), Janae Joseph (age five), and Jahmali Joseph (age eight).
While Nishae took home the top prize, every child who participated received a Certificate of Participation. Learning how to take care of our planet is the most important prize of all!
Why Does Composting Matter?
Organised by Increase Kids Agro World (IKAW), this initiative hopes to show that agriculture and caring for the environment can be fun and creative. By turning waste into fertiliser for local farmers, we are building a future where zero food waste is the standard, not the exception.
So, the next time you finish an apple, remember Nishae’s bookmark and think twice before you toss that core!
Did You Know?
• Compost is often called “Black Gold” because it is so full of nutrients that help plants grow strong.
• Reducing food waste helps reduce greenhouse gases!
• Slogan of the Month: “Let’s compost today for zero food waste tomorrow!”
