Idjwi Island has an agriculture-based economy, but many of the children do not receive training in sustainable farming techniques. This project will support a working garden at the future site of the new primary school in Buhumba village. The students will obtain hands-on experience in soil preparation, crop rotation, irrigation, and cultivation of crops. This valuable training will arm the students with skills to enhance their employment prospects or to start their own farming businesses.
Idjwi Island is primarily an agricultural community that lacks significant infrastructure. The deforestation of the island over time has led to soil erosion and has stripped the topsoil of valuable nutrients, which has resulted in reduced crop yields. Many children leave school at an early age to work on family or other farms. Without proper training, their ability to contribute to a successful farm, or to start their own sustaintable farming business, is limited.
We will provide leadership and hands-on training for the students to cultivate their own vegetable garden on an acre of land at the site of the future school. The students will learn proper techniques to prepare the soil, plant the crops (including corn, tomatoes, beans, and leeks), and harvest the crops. We will construct a farmstand at the school for the childrent to sell harvested products to sustain the garden and to support the construction of the new school.
This micro project will empower the students with basic skills to join the workforce or to start their own business. The students will learn critical techniques in soil preparation, crop rotation, and irrigation systems that will enhance their ability to operate sustainable farms. The students will also obtain valuable business skills through selling goods at market. The revenue will support the garden and provide local community support for the construction of the new school.
