By Ben T.C. Brooks
River Gee County – Agriculture students at the River Gee County Vocational and Technical Training Institute (RGVTTI) have begun harvesting their educational garden, showcasing their resilience in the face of difficulties such as a lack of farming tools, limited funds, and insufficient supplies.
Initially started as a practical project, this endeavor has evolved into a strong example of determination, innovation, and hands-on learning.
At the start of the technical vocational education and training (T-VET) trimester, agriculture students faced shortages of basic equipment like wheelbarrows, shovels, hoes, seeds, and organic fertilizers due to budget constraints, which also excluded more expensive tools like motorized tillers and drip-irrigation systems.
Despite these challenges, the Agriculture Department of the RGVTTI, led by Director Maxen Worjolo, has implemented various creative strategies to enhance student learning experiences.
Currently, during practical sessions, students are cultivating a range of vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, okra, cucumbers, cabbage, bitter-ball, cassava, and yams.
“We’re exploring intercropping by planting quick-growing crops alongside slower-growing root vegetables to optimize space and reduce pest issues. Additionally, we’ve increased our yield by planting heat-resistant sweet potatoes later in the season,” said Sunday Hinneh, the Agriculture students’ president.
For the over 45 students in the RGVTTI Agriculture Department, the gardening venture has exceeded educational goals, providing them with invaluable knowledge about small-scale farming techniques.
Agriculture student Abigail Wesseh added, “Learning about pest management through companion planting has boosted our confidence in using fewer chemical pesticides.”
The students have reported that their surplus produce has positively impacted the local community as they sell their harvest in nearby towns and at the weekly market in Fish Town, generating income for transportation, faculty support, and campus health initiatives.
RGVTTI’s Assistant Director for Technical Services, Mr. Philip Jah, stated that the institution is actively pursuing partnerships with agricultural NGOs to acquire better tools, a wider variety of seeds, among others.
Mr. Jah also disclosed plans to expand the garden by an additional quarter hectare, install shade nets for delicate seedlings, and introduce small livestock such as chickens for pest control and fertilizer.
Despite ongoing resource challenges, the agricultural students at RGVTTI have proven that creativity, collaboration, and practical learning can effectively mitigate material shortages.
Their thriving garden exemplifies the possibilities that can arise from determination and practical education, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
