The Project of “Addressing Causes for Poverty and Ensuring Food Security for Farming Communities” funded by Caritas Norway is being implemented by Caritas SED Galle to establish 2000 Home gardens in Galle, Matara and Hambantota Districts. The Home Vegetable Garden Program seeks to increase access to healthy food for low income residents through establishing home gardens and providing one on one garden support at family homes, Community Knowledge Centers, Schools and Religious Institutions. Program participants are provided free seedlings, seeds, and other necessary tools and supplies as well. As necessary trainings, home gardening provide participants with opportunities to build resilience through increased community engagement, opportunities for inter-generational experience and improvements in their health from exercise and increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
This partnership (Between University of Colombo Institute for Agro-technology and Rural Sciences, ,Weligatta and Caritas SED Galle &) will be paired with a garden mentor to provide extra support to help them reach their goals, whether it be help with water management, soil erosion control, pest management, or spending more time with their families outside.
Mentors will assist new gardeners in setting and reaching their garden goals through one-on- one coaching and sharing resources from growing hope. Gardening can be a venue for achieving many personal goals, from spending time with loved ones, changing your diet, reconnecting with cultural traditions and more. Growing Hope will pair up mentees and mentors based on shared interest and skills.
Under this Mentor Programme, Caritas SED Galle has linked around 100 home garden farmers with the 3rd year Undergraduates of University of Colombo Institute for Agro-technology and Rural Sciences, Weligatta.
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