Help Save the Education of 150 Madagascar Children

A team of local agronomists have played an important role over the last couple of months as educators and planners for the garden project at NY DINA College.

First, as educators they facilitated a three-day intensive workshop to introduce new farming techniques to fifteen people from NY DINA. Over the three days a range of topics were covered from crop rotation, water management, plant care and soil management.  The workshop was comprised of hands-on activities as well as classroom discussions and served as an excellent launch for the next phase of the project. Overall the feedback was excellent, and the agronomists will continue to act as educators to the school team and students to ensure the long-term viability of the gardens.

Secondly, as planners the agronomists have now completed the overall plan based on the soil analysis they conducted. They have decided to bring all of items needed for the garden planting including the seeds, fertilizers and equipment to help the school save time trying to source the individual items themselves. While the agronomists wait for a few final items, the local project team dug out the trenches and pools which will aid with the collection of rainwater plus the holes for the new trees.  The project team was keen to complete the trenches and pools before the start of the rainy season in Madagascar, which is between November and the end of March, so that the water collection can start almost immediately.

One other item on the project list is also finished and that is the building of the designated compost area which in this picture series is the open-air building with the grass roof.

The time and expertise the agronomists provided is truly invaluable and their continued guidance will ensure the project continues on course to help the school reach their overall goal of becoming completely self-sustaining. 

To all of the donors around the world that have supported this project to date we want to say thank you.  Your contribution is having a tremendous impact not only on the school and students but their families and the greater community.