Day 308

We got back from Burundi this morning, and headed over to the Self Reliance class "graduation celebration" in the afternoon. Jonah has been directing this program (with support from me behind the scenes), and has done a great job. Today was the 4th class, and those who attended all four sessions received a signed, stamped, and sealed (very important here) certificate.

The Self-Reliance class is part of the Food Initiative project that we have been doing since February. The "graduates" are now eligible for a garden at their home, as part of Phase 2 of this project. Jonah will travel around to each of their compounds or houses and assess if they have space for a circle garden, a plot garden, a sack garden, or a wash basin garden. Then, the humanitarian fund provides the funds to buy the seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, hoes, watering cans, and shovels. The goal is to improve the family's nutrition, and help them to save money that they would have spent in the market. As a result of this project, I am an even bigger fan of gardening than I was before my mission.

Marie Therese and Celeste enjoy the celebration.