Organic Farming
About
The SHCC are currently looking at developing an Organic Farming Project aimed at promoting stability and sustainability at the SHCC School and for the families living within the Kro Bei Riel Community. The first phase of the Project is the construction of an organic farm at the SHCC premises in Totea Village. The second phase will be to select 10 students from the 12 villages within Kro Bei Riel Community and to then teach these students about organic farming and sustainability and empower them to then pass the knowledge they have gained onto their families and the wider Community. Encouraging them to implement all they have learnt and thus hopefully providing students with income to put towards their future studies. The underlying purpose of this project is to establish a method of addressing the issues of poverty, lack of funding and education in rural Cambodia.
Through the provision of an Organic Farm at the school and within the community, the SHCC expect the following to be achieved –
- For the SHCC to become an independent and self-sufficient Non Government Organisation through the production of farming and selling produce at the local market
- Assist the families of the children attending the SHCC to acquire knowledge for implementing an organic farm and attending to livestock in their own homes
- Provide continual education on organic farming at the school provided by skilled staff, allowing for future opportunities for the SHCC students who aspire to become farmers
- Assist to provide an income for those who are financially disadvantaged and cannot afford higher education
- Work towards ending poverty and hunger within the Kro Bei Riel Community through education and empowering the members of the community to sustain their own livelihoods
The SHCC believe this is achievable as they have built a strong reputation within the community due to their resilience in the face of adversity. The SHCC has a strong vision and the knowledge to achieve a sustainable community. At present they do lack the funding for the resources required.
The SHCC currently has the following resources for its use, but please view the sponsor section below at the resources we constantly require if you would like to donate.
Available Resources:
Land – The SHCC does not require funding for a piece of land as they have been fortunate enough to secure the long term lease on a large property which permits them adequate space for the provision of an organic farm and livestock.
Existing Organic Farm – The SHCC already has an existing Organic Farm started by the staff in March 2008. Although it is exceedingly small only measuring 3 blocks of 4×4 square metres, this farm has produced thriving fruit and vegetables. It is the hope of the SHCC, with funding for resources; they will be able to implement a larger and more sustainable organic farm. In the villages, there are many mango and coconut trees that can also add to the flow of production for sale at the market.
Skilled Organic Farmers at SHCC – Many of the current staff at the SHCC have adequate experience in organic farming and they are all keen for the project’s success.
Water – In Cambodia, the rainy season lasts from May until November which is approximately half the year. The cold season includes the months of December and January. Although the other months radiate a climate of heat and humidity, there is an abundance of water flowing from the Baray River into the lakes and ponds which are easily accessible for the maintenance of the farm. The seasonal conditions will be considered to the suitability of the changing climate in Cambodia.
Local Community Members – Farming is very common in the country side and although most of the farmers lack the resources, the SHCC have an excellent reputation whereby the community can get involved in sharing their knowledge. The SHCC run quarterly Community Days inviting community members to hear about Projects running and promoting community unity.
Available Resources:
Land – The SHCC does not require funding for a piece of land as they have been fortunate enough to secure the long term lease on a large property which permits them adequate space for the provision of an organic farm and livestock.
Existing Organic Farm – The SHCC already has an existing Organic Farm started by the staff in March 2008. Although it is exceedingly small only measuring 3 blocks of 4×4 square metres, this farm has produced thriving fruit and vegetables. It is the hope of the SHCC, with funding for resources; they will be able to implement a larger and more sustainable organic farm. In the villages, there are many mango and coconut trees that can also add to the flow of production for sale at the market.
Skilled Organic Farmers at SHCC – Many of the current staff at the SHCC have adequate experience in organic farming and they are all keen for the project’s success.
Water – In Cambodia, the rainy season lasts from May until November which is approximately half the year. The cold season includes the months of December and January. Although the other months radiate a climate of heat and humidity, there is an abundance of water flowing from the Baray River into the lakes and ponds which are easily accessible for the maintenance of the farm. The seasonal conditions will be considered to the suitability of the changing climate in Cambodia.
Local Community Members – Farming is very common in the country side and although most of the farmers lack the resources, the SHCC have an excellent reputation whereby the community can get involved in sharing their knowledge. The SHCC run quarterly Community Days inviting community members to hear about Projects running and promoting community unity.
Gallery
The gallery below showcases pictures relating to the Organic Farming project, progressing from 2007 to 2011.
Sponsor
The following resources are required to keep the project running if you would like to donate.
- Seeds for farming of vegetables and fruits
- Tools and equipment needed for farming and animal maintenance
- Livestock including pigs, ducks, chickens and fish
- Livestock feed
- Building materials to construct appropriate homes and enclosures for the animals, ie – a fish pond, pig pen etc
- Salary for a full-time organic farming educator who’s tasks will include education, development, management, maintenance and overseeing all aspects related to the Organic Farming Project
- Salary for an assistant to the organic farming educator who will assist in the implementation and maintenance of the farm
If you would like to sponsor a Organic Farming class you could make a difference in many students lives and it only costs a small fee of 1.5 dollars a day, please refer to the following flyer for more information that details possible payment methods and fundraising options. It has also been designed so it can be printed and distributed.
Sponsor an Organic Farming class information flyer