By Adithi Sathiyan | Communications & Fundraising Volunteer Manager
Crop Production & Harvesting
In 2025, TYoFU strengthened its crop production through consistent planting, maintenance, and harvesting of staple crops including cabbages and cassava. Using regenerative farming practices such as organic manure, natural pest control, and crop rotation, youth farmers improved soil health while increasing yields. These harvests contributed directly to household food security and provided hands-on learning opportunities for young people to develop practical agricultural skills that can be replicated within their own communities.
Expanding Our Team: New Volunteers
This year, TYoFU welcomed new international volunteers who brought valuable skills, energy, and global perspectives to our work. Carla joined as a Communications Volunteer, supporting storytelling, outreach, and digital engagement, while Joshua came on board as a Fundraising and Donor Relations Volunteer, helping strengthen relationships with supporters and improve long-term sustainability. Clay also volunteered on the ground in Uganda, contributing directly to farm operations while learning and sharing sustainable agriculture practices.
Infrastructure Preparation & Dormitory Clearing
As part of our long-term vision to become a vocational training and mentorship hub, 2025 saw important groundwork laid for future infrastructure. Volunteer Clay supported the clearing and preparation of designated areas for planned youth dormitories. This work marks a critical step toward creating a safe, on-site learning environment where trainees can live, learn, and collaborate while participating fully in TYoFU’s agricultural programs.
Fish Pond Management, Feeding & Sampling
TYoFU made significant progress in aquaculture management during 2025 through fish feed grading, sampling, and monitoring across our expanding pond system. Youth farmers were trained to assess fish growth rates, separate fast-growing “shooters,” and apply appropriate feeding strategies to reduce stunted growth and mortality. These activities strengthened technical skills in aquaculture, improved fish health, and supported the sustainability of our five-pond ecosystem as a reliable source of protein and income for the community.
Alice Rowan Swanson Fellowship Impact
In 2025, support from the Alice Rowan Swanson Fellowship played a pivotal role in strengthening TYoFU’s agricultural training and infrastructure.
The Alice Rowan Swanson Fellowship supports alumni of School for Interntional Training (SIT) programs who are committed to advancing global human rights through development projects. The fellowship project is called for by the local community and focuses on improving human rights through a grassroots initiative. Having been involved with TYoFU and witnessed their great mission to address food security and sustainable livelihood development in a rural Ugandan community, I was excited to mobilize this fellowship grant to help construct the fish ponds and launch TYoFU's aquaculture project.
Over the last few months, we have completed the construction of two large fish ponds, transforming TYoFU's farm. We also facilitated two community trainings-- one on the theory of fish farming, and another on nutrition, climate change, and food security. The goal in strengthening this community with knowledge and relationships is to empower youth farmers with skills and capacity to pass forward their expertise in order to achieve a healthier, more sustainable community in food, health, and financial capital. The goal now is to involve the youth in raising the fish to harvest and generate capital through the social enterprise, while continuing to host sessions on life skills such as entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, digital literacy, and public health issues.
We want to thank SIT and the Alice Rowan Swanson Fellowship for allowing this transformational project that created momentum and inspiration for the community of TYoFU and the noble hard work so many Ugandans are putting in to better their community.
Thank you Donors! What we do is possible because of the people who care about and support our cause. Everything described - from organizational development, to the establishment of aquaculture, to employing young people, to cultivating healthy food - is only possible because of the donations of many generous people. We are glad that we have inspired you, and with your help, we will do our utmost to manifest the vision we have set forth!
By Joshua Bell | Fundraising & Donor Relations Volunteer
By Martin Tomusange | Founder & Director
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