My name is Habanabakize Jean Damascene, a dedicated teacher at G.S. Saint Paul Muko, where I manage discipline, oversee our school garden, and support street children in developing their talents. My journey into sustainable agriculture has been significantly influenced by Hands Around The World (HATW) and the Marshall Popworth Scholarship, which funded my specialized training in sustainable agriculture at Harper Adams University.
HATW’s connection to the Marshall Popworth Scholarship was instrumental in my pursuit of advanced agricultural knowledge. Growing up with a deep passion for agriculture, I recognized the need for enhanced expertise to effectively manage our school garden and improve our feeding program, which includes providing meals for street children.
Through the Marshall Popworth Scholarship, I received invaluable training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), crop production, land preparation, and the fundamentals of beef, pig, and poultry production. IPM, a key focus of my studies, is crucial for its sustainable approach to pest control. It minimizes pesticide use, reducing environmental contamination, protecting beneficial insects and ecosystems, and lowering health risks associated with chemical exposure. Economically, IPM is efficient, decreasing treatment costs, preventing crop damage, and promoting soil health and biodiversity.
My training also covered techniques for managing cereal diseases, enhancing maize production at our school, and addressing issues in the Bugarama community, such as semen preservation and insemination challenges.
I am eager to apply these skills at G.S. Saint Paul Muko and to share this knowledge with other schools and street children. This will greatly improve food security and foster sustainable farming practices, benefiting our community and future generations. I am profoundly grateful to HATW and the Marshall Popworth Scholarship for their crucial role in this transformative journey and hope for continued partnership to extend these benefits further.
