The Wegdam Primary School Garden Project

In Kamabonko Village, in the Karene district, daily life is shaped by poverty and food insecurity. Many parents do not know if there will be enough food for their children, and pupils often arrive at school hungry after long walks to fetch water and reach the classroom. Hunger makes it almost impossible for children to focus and learn. Education can only succeed when the basic conditions for learning are present, and food is one of the most important.

That is why a cassava farm has been established at Wegdam High School. Together with the local community, the land has been prepared and cultivated, creating both a source of nutrition and income. The cassava is processed into gari, a popular and affordable staple food across Sierra Leone, which not only feeds the children but also provides an opportunity to generate income for the school.

The proceeds from gari sales are reinvested into education: improving classroom facilities, purchasing learning materials, supporting teachers, and strengthening school feeding programs. At the same time, students learn valuable agricultural and processing skills, while women, who are traditionally involved in cassava processing, gain opportunities for economic empowerment.

But challenges remain. At present, resources are too limited even to buy new seeds. Without support, the continuation of the project is at risk. Our goal is to move towards self-sufficiency: producing our own seeds, strengthening techniques and skills, and ensuring that the school and community can rely on this farm for sustainable food security and a brighter future.