Food Security Bahamas, The Project #67099

Creating Sustainability in Abaco

by Abaco Strong

Project Report | Feb 20, 2026
Safe Drinking Water for Abaco Schools

By Kelly Thurston | Program Director

Broken water fountain

At Abaco Strong we have prioritized improving access to safe drinking water on school campuses. We recognize that reliable water access directly influences student health, attendance, concentration, and overall learning outcomes.

Our team conducted assessments at fourteen school campuses across Abaco and its Cays; planning and working closely with administrators and staff to identify gaps and develop practical solutions. At some schools we saw the extra steps taken by school teachers and staff to ensure their students have access to drinking water, underscoring not only the need but also the dedication of our educators.

The health and hydration of students are particularly important in our hot, sub tropical climate, where dehydration impacts energy and focus. This initiative will ensure students can remain engaged and attentive throughout the day. The work and information gathered is building a pathway toward infrastructure improvements that will support healthier learning environments and strengthen resilience across the education system. Our approach will develop and implement campus-specific solutions, designed with student well-being at its core.

Through your continued support Abaco Strong is working to ensure the focus of teachers can return to teaching and students to learning without the worry of supplying this basic need. Every contribution brings us closer to ensuring healthy environments where students can develop and thrive.

System assessment

Permalink

Oct 24, 2025
Rebuilding, Growing and Thriving in Abaco

By Raquel Thurston | Program Director

Playground dedication

The summer months brought both joy and progress to the communities of Abaco with the installation of two new playgrounds in Dundas Town and Central Pines. After months of planning and collaborating, children now have safe, vibrant spaces to play, socialize, and grow. These playgrounds represent more than just recreational spaces-they symbolize resilience, partnership, and hope for the island’s youngest generation.

The new school year also started on a high note with continued support for the Agriculture Program at Patrick J. Bethel High School. Abaco Strong supplied and delivered two chicken tractors as part of our commitment to expanding hands-on learning opportunities in agriculture. Although persistent rain delayed the addition of the layer hens, their introduction is imminent as weather conditions improve. This addition will allow students to gain practical experience in poultry care and production, reinforcing lessons in food sustainability and agricultural entrepreneurship.

The extended rainy season also posed challenges for local farmers, delaying the start of the planting cycle and causing some flooding. With drier conditions now returning, many have resumed preparations for the upcoming growing season. Abaco Strong continues to engage with farmers directly-listening to their concerns and identifying ways to provide meaningful support and resources to ensure a productive season and successful harvest.

Access to safe and affordable housing remains one of the most pressing needs across Abaco. Through a unique partnership with generous donors, Abaco Strong has continued to assist several families in Green Turtle Cay, helping to restore stability and dignity to their lives. This support has had a transformative impact on the well-being and security of the beneficiaries, reinforcing our shared belief that strong communities begin with safe homes.

Your continued support makes this progress possible. Each contribution-large or small-directly strengthens Abaco’s recovery and resilience. Together, we can continue building thriving communities, improving livelihoods, and creating lasting opportunities for families across Abaco.

Playground dedication 2

Permalink

Jun 20, 2025
Growing Resilience in Abaco

By Kelly Thurston | Program Director

Patrick J Bethel Highschool Hydroponics garden

The school garden at Patrick J. Bethel High School continues to thrive and evolve into a beacon of sustainability and hands-on learning. This year marked a major milestone as students celebrated their first successful harvest from the school’s hydroponic system. Fresh, healthy produce was sold locally and to faculty members, and the proceeds were reinvested into the garden to purchase essential tools and supplies. This self-sustaining model not only supports the school’s agricultural program but teaches students real-world lessons in economics, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship. In addition to the hydroponic system, new traditional garden beds were installed to expand production and diversify crops. As the 2024–2025 academic year draws to a close, we will take advantage of the off-season to prepare for an even more impactful 2025–2026 school year.

One of the unexpected challenges this school year at Patrick J. Bethel was ensuring adequate access to drinking water for students. Many faced periods without reliable water supply. In response, Abaco Strong stepped in to provide emergency support, ensuring that students had access to safe drinking water when it was most needed. This support was a critical lifeline for students’ health and well-being and reinforced our commitment to meeting immediate community needs.

Earlier this year, our Abaco Strong Farmers Market found a new and vibrant home at a cultural hub affectionately known as “Under the Almond Tree.” This dynamic space has become a haven for local farmers, artisans, and budding entrepreneurs. Open daily, the site provides vendors with consistent access to the public, enabling them to generate daily income or scale their businesses as needed. The first Saturday of every month is now dedicated to a larger community farmers market, celebrating locally grown produce, handmade products, and Bahamian culture. This new location has revitalized the spirit of commerce and community resilience in Central Abaco.

In March 2025, Abaco Strong, in collaboration with The Liquid Legacy, World Cataract Foundation and Ministry of Health launched the second annual Abaco Legacy Medical Campaign. Over 700 individuals were screened for cataracts and pterygiums during the outreach phase. In June 2025, the medical team returned and performed more than 100 sight-restoring surgeries, bringing the gift of vision back to many individuals who had long suffered in silence. For some, it meant returning to work; for others, simply seeing a loved one’s face clearly again.

Abaco Strong remains deeply committed to being a vehicle for growth, resilience, and sustainability in Abaco. Whether through agriculture, youth education, community commerce, or healthcare access, we continue to invest in local solutions and local people.

Every dollar you give goes directly toward these life-changing programs. Together, we’re not just responding to needs—we’re building a stronger, more self-sufficient Abaco for future generations.

Abaco Legacy Medical surgical week

Links:

Permalink

1 2 ›

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.