Progress, Challenges and Vision for the Future
Today we received an inspiring update from Barend, directly from the land. As the sun slowly passes over the fields and the smell of earth and growth hangs in the air, a visionary story of dedication and cooperation unfolds. The country is alive – literally and figuratively – and although there is still a lot of work to be done, the first fruits of our volunteers’ efforts are already visible.
The garden blooms
Barend starts his update with good news: the garden looks beautiful. The care and attention that has been put into it are literally starting to pay off. Vegetables stand proudly, young plants shoot out of the ground, and the whole thing exudes vitality. It is a tangible proof of what is possible when people work together with nature.
A Battle on the Ground: Nets and Uninvited Guests
Yet there are also concerns. Sylvester has not yet finished securing the bottom of the nets. And that’s not a detail: without this protection, rats and rabbits will effortlessly find their way to the young seedlings and seeds. An entire harvest can be lost in one night. The message is clear: this must be completed urgently. Sylvester understands the urgency and is considering looking at alternatives to get the work done faster. Of course, costs play an important role in this.
The nursery: a golden treasure
Another bright spot is the nursery. According to Barend, it is “worth its weight in gold” – and that is no exaggeration. The nursery is the heart of the project: this is where the plants that will later enrich the land are grown. The decision to only use plants from the nursery in the future is therefore logical. It offers control, quality and a better chance of survival for the crops.
Harvesting and accounting
With the first harvests in sight, there is also the need to structure sales. A sales and accounts receivable book must be kept that states exactly how much is sold. Transparency and overview are essential, especially as the project grows. In addition, Sylvester will soon consult with Barrie about how the products can be packaged and sold. An important step towards professionalization.
Rabbits and carrots: a familiar enemy
Not everything goes smoothly. A carrot field has fallen prey to rabbits. It is a painful reminder of how vulnerable young crops are without adequate protection. This experience once again underlines the importance of the nets and the choice to plant only through the nursery.
Potatoes and progress
Fortunately, there are also successes: the potatoes are doing well. They grow steadily and promise a nice harvest. It is a welcome boost in a period when not everything is going smoothly.
Building with Limited Resources
The construction of the new facilities is proceeding more slowly than hoped. The initial plans to use a steel structure turn out to be financially unfeasible. Instead, the reuse of materials is now being looked at – a sustainable and cost-effective solution. A friend of Nico’s recently removed a building and is now investigating whether it can be rebuilt at our location. It is a good example of circular entrepreneurship in practice.
Preparations for the School
In the meantime, progress has also been made in the field of education. With the help of a backhoe loader, the area where the school is to be located has been leveled. An important step towards a place where children can learn, grow and dream. A shuttle service is also being considered: from the airport to the lodges and for nurses to their living quarters. It shows how broad the project is – it’s not just about agriculture. It’s about building a learning community.
A Look to the Future
What makes this update so special is the balance between realism and hope. There are challenges – from rabbits to construction delays – but there is also vision, decisiveness and cooperation. Every part of the project, from the nursery to the school, contributes to a bigger picture: a sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystem in which people and nature live together in harmony. The next few weeks will be crucial. Sylvester has to complete the networks, the sales structure has to be set up, and the construction plans have to become concrete. But with the right commitment and cooperation, anything is possible.
Barend’s update is more than a report – it is a snapshot of a living project in development. It shows how dreams become reality, step by step, by trial and error. And it reminds us that real change starts with people rolling up their sleeves and believing in what they do. We look forward to the next update – and to the many great things to come.
Help Make a Difference
What is happening here on the land is more than agriculture – it is a movement. A place where people, nature and community come together to build something lasting. But to further realize this dream, we need your help.
Every donation – big or small – helps us to:
- Finish the nets and protect our crops
- Building the school for the next generation
- Realize sustainable structures with recycled materials
- Create local jobs and promote food security
🌱 Donate today and become part of this growing community. Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives.
