Salesian missionaries in Gulu, Uganda, have acquired land for an agriculture school funded by Salesian Missions. This school will educate impoverished youth while addressing food security through crop cultivation and agribusiness training. The project aims to strengthen community links and promote sustainable farming techniques in a region with significant poverty challenges.
Salesian missionaries in Atede, Gulu district, Uganda, have successfully acquired land for a new agriculture school through donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. This initiative aims to provide education for impoverished youth while addressing pressing food security challenges in the region, which currently has limited secondary and vocational educational institutions.
The school will include facilities for livestock and land designated for cultivating staple crops such as maize and sweet potatoes. The harvest will not only support the students’ feeding programs but also allow students to gain practical experience in managing agribusiness ventures by selling surplus produce, thereby enhancing their entrepreneurial skills.
A representative from Salesian Missions stated that the curriculum will emphasize sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. Students will engage in hands-on training, which includes agribusiness education, agriculture research, and innovative practices. This project is expected to forge stronger connections between the school and the surrounding community through its agricultural initiatives.
According to the World Bank, approximately 21% of Uganda’s population lives in poverty, with this figure rising to 33% in the northern region, which experiences the highest levels of deprivation. Despite some economic advancements and improvements in the U.N. Human Development Index over the past two decades, Uganda ranks low at 159 out of 193 countries, grappling with challenges stemming from a history of conflict.
Though Uganda’s overall literacy rate is 73%, only 23% of the population secures a secondary education. UNICEF highlights that one of the most significant issues facing the nation is the escalating HIV/AIDS crisis, which has resulted in millions of children becoming orphans, emphasizing the need for education and support services.
The establishment of the agriculture school by Salesian missionaries represents a critical step towards improving education and food security in Uganda. By combining agricultural training with practical business skills, this initiative aims to empower impoverished youth while strengthening community ties. Addressing educational challenges alongside socio-economic issues reflects a holistic approach towards fostering sustainable development in the region.
Original Source: missionnewswire.org
