Group Served
The farm project will serve people of all ages and backgrounds, but the program will target children under 12 in the first phase. We plan to serve approximately 200 people per week-75% of which are children and teenagers.
Children under 12: An after school program will be put in place to teach the kids basic animal husbandry techniques, also other educational programs.
Teenage 13-18: Teenagers will be trained on managing the livestock. Program introducing basic technology such as solar energy.
Adult: The community center will also host an adult literacy program in the future. Also basic health care and agricultural techniques to adults.
Our Approach
Our approach is very aggressive in targeting this population since we believe that the earlier a person is introduced to new techniques the more open and creative they will be in their efforts to utilize them for their educational and economic advancement. In order to cultivate this willingness to learn about and utilize those new techniques, we have developed an educational approach that incorporates the following elements:
-Low student to teacher ratio
-Project-based approach
-Flexibility: Explore issues that come up in the course of a class and "deviate" from the curriculum when it is appropriate
-Technology as a tool: We believe that technology is a powerful enabling tool that can support critical thinking and other developmental skills.
Curriculum for each class is developed in relation with the community, within a framework, which focuses on process issues. Our Farming Education classes are delivered to children and teenagers in two modes: 1.) Partnerships with community-based organizations and 2.) Presentations developed from experienced veterinarian and agronomists working in Haiti.
The following are our some of our partners:
We are partnering with APDM (Association Peuple Devoue de Maissade/ Association of Devoted People of Maissade). APDM is a young non-profit organization located in the town of Maissade, Haiti with expertise in agriculture, animal husbandry, and children education. Other organizations such as Rotary International, Trees for the Future, and local schools and churches have also expressed and given their support.
Examples of the types of classes we will offer are as follow:
- Animal husbandry: Organizing training for rural children in small ruminant production technologies and its importance for income generation.
- Tree nurseries: Provide children training on how to prepare tree nursery.
- Open activities: Other activities such as sport, music, craft, reading will also be offered at the community center to encourage children to explore their talents.
- Aquaculture: Teach students the basic skills and knowledge necessary to successfully breed and grow Tilapia on a practical, self-sustaining, scale.
