The Community Nursery in Bwera, located in the Kasese District, is building a school for the local community. By purchasing seedlings from the nursery, Fairventures is helping to create a reliable and long-term source of income. This new primary school is being established in the Rusese area of Bwera, providing children in the rural area with access to education.
Long Distances to School Burden Local Families
According to Benard Ntajumba, the nursery manager at Fairventures Worldwide, many children in the area have to walk long distances to access basic education, as schools are rare. This issue has become increasingly concerning for residents, especially with a rising number of children in the community.
“Schools are not near our community, and children have to walk long distances. With many children in the area and limited financial resources among local farmers, there is a clear need for a school that can provide affordable education” Benard explained.
The initiative to build a school took shape after Fariventures Worldiwde’s CEO, Megan King, visited the tree nursery. She brought books to help teach the children reading skills, leaving a lasting impression on the nursery operators. “Fairventures’ influence motivated us to find long lasting solutions for the children in our community” Benard noted.
Built with Local Resources: School Set to Open in January 2025
Although the school is still under construction, the community has high hopes for its future. It is set to open in January 2025 and will be operated by Benard and two other members of the Tree Farmers Group.
“Our vision is to create a learning environment where children from low-income farming families can access quality education close to home,” Benard shared.
The construction of the school is being funded entirely by the nursery and primary school owners, with much of the financial support coming from profits earned through the sale of tree seedlings.
Creating a Sustainable Impact through Empowerment
Fairventures Worldwide’s purchase of seedlings from the nursery has allowed operators to reinvest profits locally. “Without Fairventures’ support, this project wouldn’t have been possible,” noted Benard, highlighting the role the organization plays in the nursery’s growth.
The dedication of the tree nursery in Bwera underscores the lasting impact of our work and the empowerment of local communities. Working together, we can achieve goals that go beyond our initial mission of empowering farmers through reforestation and responsible value chains.
Let’s continue to empower Farmers & Forests!