A group of 6 students will be trained to operate an integrated farm comprising three of the following: growing limes, vegetables, hydroponics, mushrooms, and cantaloupe in a half acre plot. Some of the profits will be reinvested, some for charitable activities, some for savings for their future education expenses, and the remainder for daily expenses. The project's success will be evidence of sustainability, for future funding or loans to expand to other rural schools and reduce migration.
There are many poor students from subsistence farming families who are forced to migrate to urban areas after leaving school due to their family's inadequate agricultural skills and business opportunities. This integrated farming program will provide skills to students and youth and generate an attractive income, thereby preventing migration as they leave school.
This project will train students and youth in proven, intensive integrated agricultural model, using minimal space to raise income and participate in sharing with vulnerable people. Additional income generating activities will be added as their knowledge expands. Profits will be used for: 1) reinvestment to ensure sustainability 2) savings for future (tertiary) education 3) charitable contributions 4) student daily expenses.
Success of the enterprise will be used as evidence to obtain additional funding for expansion of farming activities. Sufficient funds will be available for sustainable reinvestment, students will acquire savings for future education, funds for charitable contributions, and will have money to cover their daily expenses and move towards financial independence.
