This is an update on our newest program at the Agricultural Training Center from Rad Hazelip:

The Agricultural Training Center (ATC) extension training course starts its second week off with a full agenda. This week, the students are learning a variety of sustainable methods for having successful gardens in the tough conditions in Haiti. Here they are learning soil science and how to prepare good soil medium to grow optimum vegetables. Next, they learned about making raised planting beds, which will use heavy mulches to keep the soil cool and retain moisture. Drip irrigation is the most effective and efficient way to provide the plants with critical water. Here the students learn to assemble Chapin drip kits, and then install them to the new planting beds. Next, the students learned to make efficient gardens from re-purposed old tires. Here, Manno makes his tire garden, and so does Luckson. Now the new tire gardens are mounted off the ground and are ready to plant nutritious vegetables like spinach, a favorite in Haiti.

Not all of the course is practical experience in the demonstration gardens, there is also plenty of classroom time too. Here is the thick textbook, which Wilner created for them. This is a resource for them to learn from while they are here at the training course, and also a great resource for them to take back with them when they return home to help others learn these life-saving methods. The students are enjoying learning together while working and living together at the ATC. This is the kind of huge impact your gifts of support can have for the people of Haiti. Thank you for caring and sharing to help improve so many lives.