Mr. Aheebwa Mubarak- the KRC-Uganda Agricultural Extension Worker supporting the CMC members in establishment of nursery beds
Meet Ms. Enid Kyarisima, a vibrant 32-year-old Ugandan woman who lives in Mukondo C with her loving family. She’s a dedicated caregiver (teacher) at Lucky Nursery School in Mukondo C Zone, nestled in the heart of the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa District. Lucky Nursery School is part of a special Kulea Watoto project, which is implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Kabarole Research and Resource Centre-Uganda (KR-Uganda). This initiative aims to enhance early child development in the settlement.
At Lucky Nursery School, Kyarisiima Enid nurtures 235 children aged 3-6 years, providing them with a nurturing environment to learn and grow. The day starts early at 8:00 AM and wraps up at 12:30 PM, packed with activities designed to stimulate young minds.
But there’s more to the story. Kulea Watoto goes beyond the classroom, promoting the establishment of demonstration gardens in 53 selected ECD centers, including Lucky Nursery School. These gardens serve multiple purposes, from providing a space for children to engage in outdoor activities to offering practical lessons in nutrition and sustainable living.
Mr. Aheebwa guiding the CMC members on how to prepare the main garden for vegetables
Kyarisiima Enid is at the forefront of this initiative, working with the Center Management Committee (CMC) whose members were trained by Kulea Watoto to make the most of the available land at the ECD center. Inspired by the training she received, she reached out to the Mother Baby Area (MBA) in Mukondo C, supported by Save the Children, and secured seeds for onions and cabbages. With determination, hard work and training from KRC-Uganda’s extension worker Mr. Aheebwa Mubarak, they cultivated a thriving garden, even in the face of a prolonged drought. Their efforts paid off with a bountiful harvest of 60 heads of cabbage which they sold Shs.1,000 each. This not only benefited the school but also extended to support households in need of a nutritious diet.
Their success didn’t stop there. In October 2023, they received more seeds and farming equipment, expanding their efforts to include a wider range of vegetables such as cabbages, Swiss Chards, carrots, green peppers and onions. They also reached out to 10 households with malnourished children to establish their own kitchen gardens. We harvested a combined total of 263 cabbages, which were sold for Shs.1,500 each, resulting in earnings of Shs.394,500. Additionally, we earned Shs.150,000 from the sale of carrots and onions. As of now, we still have 310 heads of cabbages and onions remaining, which are scheduled to be sold in February 2024.
Mr. Aheebwa guiding the CMC members on pests and disease management
Looking ahead, Kyarisiima Enid and her team have big plans. They aim to expand their garden, cultivate maize and beans, and initiate a school feeding program. Their goal is to ensure that every household in the ECD catchment area has a thriving vegetable garden, promoting self-sufficiency and healthy living.
The lead caregiver inspecting the cabbages and carrots ready for harvesting
Kyarisiima Enid is grateful for the support and training provided by Kulea Watoto, which has empowered her and the CMC with valuable skills in early child development and sustainable agriculture. With their continued dedication, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in the settlement.
By Katya Rabson
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
KRC-Uganda
