José’s Garden Gives Produce to Students in His Village
José is the dedicated assistant director of his children’s school in Nicaragua. And nothing brings him more fulfillment than giving to the people he cares about most.
However, living with a low income restricted José’s ability to demonstrate his generosity.
“I don’t have what I need to be able to give something better to my family, to share special moments, because I don’t have the salary capacity,” José said.
José always kept his thoughts steadfast, handling his situation with integrity. “We cannot ask for more than what we have,” he said. But he still longed for a way to provide a more joyful future for his family and the children at his school.
He possessed the determination and the resources. All he needed was the training to utilize them.
When Convoy of Hope brought Agriculture training to his village, José’s life began to transform.
It was then that he learned new, practical techniques for growing produce. With this knowledge, he planted a successful garden at his school — and watched hope grow from there.
“After I started my relationship with the organization, I have increased my knowledge about garden management,” José said. His previous methods were replaced by more efficient ones, like installing a low-pressure irrigation system for the dry seasons. Then, he watched tangible results come in the form of fruits and vegetables. “Above all, we are able to produce, which is what fills us with pride, to have a school garden that produces,” he said.
Now when his students arrive at school, José has something to give.
“The harvested products have been used to complement the children’s school snack,” José said. In his garden, students gather to eat the produce while learning new methods for growing their own food at home. “Something that fills me with great joy is when the children get excited and wait for us to carry out activities in the garden. I see their happy faces,” he said.
This garden is also a place where José finds a great sense of peace.
“When I enter the garden, I feel different. It is a moment where I can forget the day-to-day worries. Maybe I had some difficulties in the day, but when I start to see the plants, water them, I forget the problems.”
Farmers experience relief when they receive the training to efficiently and successfully provide for their loved ones. “I am very happy and grateful for all the knowledge that I have obtained from Convoy,” José said.
But the Agriculture initiative is more than imparting knowledge. It brings joy and hope.
“We have forged a friendship [with Convoy of Hope]. And with this friendship they have managed to put a smile on the children and on us, because when we see them coming, we feel a hope to move forward.”
Strengthening individuals’ skill sets all around the world, Agriculture training equips people to provide for their families and give back to their communities.
To help more families like José’s, donate to Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture initiative.