With a total of 50 acres of farmland Pure Primary School and Ibakwe Hills Primary School started their first planting season in May 2024 with the first harvest projected in November 2024. The farms will feed the students, approximately 600 children, and an additional 200 students at Bidi Bidi Secondary School. All additional food will be sold at local markets, which will be extra income for the schools, leading to self-sufficiency and economic development for the region. We provided oxen and a plow for each farm, so schools could more efficiently plow the land than with a hoe. The oxen and plow will be rented out for the villagers to use on their own land, but parents who work the school farmlands can freely use them on their land.

 

Because Ibakwe Hills is located in a refugee camp, the land for the farm must be rented from the Ugandan government. A farm is necessary for the school because the UN cut rations in half, so many children go hungry since they are no longer fed at home or school. The farm allows children to eat lunch, decreasing distractions during class and increasing their ability to learn. Any additional food sold into the market will help pay for the renting of the farmland.

 

The farm in Pure is critical for opening the boarding school in Bidi Bidi. Bidi Bidi is located in a refugee camp and the refugees rely heavily on UN rations. Unfortunately, the UN has cut rations in half, so families can no longer provide grain to the school for their student’s lunch. Pure’s farm will supply enough food to feed the dorm residents for all three meals and lunch for the non-residential students.

 

In addition to the farms, Ibakwe Hills started a goat farm to provide a source of protein for the students and to sell at the market. Pure began a bee farm to produce honey for the students. Since honey is a lucrative business in South Sudan, the school will earn additional income by selling it at the market.

 

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