One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) are celebrating fifty-nine new Eleutheran graduates and building momentum with a series of impactful Spring programs designed to develop local skills and livelihoods, foster environmental stewardship, and save lives with free community swimming lessons. On Earth Day (April 22nd) OEF will mark 14 years of strong, sustainable development and impactful community programs across Eleuthera.
In a significant milestone for workforce development, fifty-nine students from North Eleuthera graduated from CTI’s Harbour Island Trade School on February 20th. The ceremony, held at the Methodist Church, drew friends and family to celebrate the school’s newest cohort of skilled individuals. Ready to advance their careers, students completed a range of in-demand programs, including Electrical Installation Level II & Single-Phase Electrical Installation, Entrepreneurship:101, and QuickBooks with Accounting (levels I & II). The nationally accredited certifications gained by students will increase Eleuthera’s “skills bank,” equipping young people with practical, income-generating capabilities and opening pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
Launched in South Eleuthera by OEF in 2015, CTI has expanded significantly over the years, educating over six hundred students, establishing a satellite school on Harbour Island (CTI-HITS), and becoming the leading technical and vocational training institution on the island.
“Every graduate represents a tangible step forward for Eleuthera and the many families we serve,” explains Keyron Smith, President and CEO of OEF. We are not only improving individual livelihoods, but we are also strengthening the economic resilience of entire communities and keeping local talent here at home.”
Celebrating the power of place-based community development and volunteerism
A visiting group of twenty students and faculty from Lee University returned to the CTI Farm in early March for the third consecutive year. The group kicked off OEF’s 2026 Spring/Summer study abroad season, which is expected to bring a half-dozen universities to Eleuthera’s shores and over $100,000 in economic activity for local businesses. The undergrad students from Lee University spent several days immersed in hands-on sustainable agriculture and hydroponic farming activities. Their volunteer experience highlighted key dynamics of Eleuthera’s local food systems and provided valuable support to the CTI Farm team.
“What we are building on Eleuthera is a model for how small island communities can take greater control of their food systems while creating new economic opportunities,” explains Chief Communications Officer, Yolanda Pawar. “By engaging local farmers, students, and visiting universities, we are sharing crucial knowledge, strengthening local agriculture, and exposing a wider, global network of individuals to the importance of sustainable agriculture and building self-reliance for small island states and islands like ours.
The Learn to Swim Program Returns for Its 6th Year
Volunteer and student registration for OEF’s 6th Annual Learn to Swim (LTS) Program is slated to start in April. Thanks to the generous support of donors, this free community program has provided nearly 400 participants, mostly children under 14, with life-saving swimming lessons and drowning-prevention skills every summer.
To facilitate this year’s swimming camp, organizers are actively seeking to retain swimming coaches, program volunteers, and lifeguards to support the 4-6-week program. Held at the CTI campus in Rock Sound, the program is open to participants ages 5 to 65. LTS saves lives, builds confidence, and ensures that residents of all ages can safely engage in water-based activities, be better prepared in the unfortunate event of hurricane-related sea surges, and participate in the country’s growing Blue Economy.
OEF’s Spring initiatives collectively reflect the organization’s holistic approach to community development and its commitment to the five key areas of education, economy, environment, health, and heritage. OEF’s work is about increasing capacity and creating opportunity for Eletherans at every level, from the classroom to the farm and the wider community, demonstrating a long-term commitment to people, place, and possibility. To give a 14th-Anniversary Gift and support the organization’s ongoing community programs, visit oneeleuthera.org/donate.
