On The Ground - August 2021

College des Saviors

In early August, the Club of Leaders (CoL) worked in groups of three students to visit 25 households in the Mpasa community for a Community Service Action (CSA). Each group worked together to write a message they would share with the community members regarding fruit trees and their importance. After completing the CSA, students were asked to reflect on the experience. The students' reflections stated that the CSA was a success because “parents received the message with joy and promised to practice”, “they wanted us to come back soon”, and, as student groups, “we reasoned together and complemented each other with the sharing of tasks”. As an area for improvement, the students decided they should find a local place where young trees and fruit tree seeds could be purchased.

On August 28, the CoL invited the community to come to CdS to learn about and adapt good gardening practices. Beya Beya (former CdS student) and Ntumba Kanku (CoL president) lead a session in CdS’ garden to demonstrate the effectiveness of using biodegradable waste to enrich the garden and using ash to fight against insects/pests. Several parents shared that the children have taken the initiative and organized gardens at their homes. Pombo’s mother stated “In this dry season, there is no lack of vegetables at our home.”

Dr Jerry continues to work with Mr Rodin (CdS executive director), Mr Kamelo (CdS prefect), and Mr Patrck (CdS director) to make the Club of Leaders at CdS sustainable even as MR steps away in September. Through brainstorming sessions, they have determined that parental involvement, increased CoL meetings, and a set schedule for garden maintenance are critical for the success of the CoL.