By Kelly Thurston | Program Director
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.
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