Family gardening

"No matter how much I taught or how much I served, I could never give more than I received. The Ugandan people have given me more than I can express. They are beautiful in every way. Their strength astounds me and their spirit inspires me. When I came they called me their hero, when I left they were mine."

- Ashley Rogers, Uganda 2008

"From my experience, I gained an understanding of my responsibility to serve because I can, because I have been blessed to have the resources to turn away from my and my family's immediate needs and look outward. I never expected to gain such a pressing understanding of my need to serve. I never expected to meet people who were so much "better" than I am, who had so much to teach me of compassion, of self sacrifice and of hope. I feel that I was literally healed by the people of El Salvador as they changed my perspective and expectations."

-Natalie Brown, El Salvador 2007

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Family gardening

In Latin America and Africa, livelihood is based on cash crops. All arable land is used for those crops, which often leaves families malnourished. Family gardens allow villagers to plant a small garden that takes nothing away from their cash crop, and provides their families with nutritious organic vegetables and herbs. Family gardens can also be a source of income, as family often produce excess to sell in the market. This technique can then be passed down to future generations, and hunger begins to disappear one village at a time.

We connect with a community leader who is interested in family gardens. Together, we build a model garden. We then hold a community meeting for all interested in building their own family garden. We teach the method, and individuals supply their own materials and labor. After gardens are built we access them individually and give out seeds. In 2008, HELP International taught and helped build square foot gardens at orphanages, hospitals, and homes to increase food and nutrition for over 600 individuals.

Square Foot Gardening

HELP International uses a method of family gardening developed by Mel Bartholomew called Square Foot Gardening. Square Foot Gardening is a uniquely simplified method of organic gardening that uses 80% less water and land. It is easy to learn, less labor intensive, and allows for more crop variety. The garden is built with a series of 1-ft squares where each holds a different vegetable, fruit or herb. Teaching this method allows villagers to plant a small garden that not only improves their own diets, but also provides excess produce that can be sold in the market.

Learn more about SFG at www.squarefootgardening.com

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HELP International

363 N. University Ave. #110

Provo, UT 84601

mike@help-international.org

(801) 374-0556

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