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| Farmer Graduates! |
I was fortunate to be invited to the FIRST graduation ceremony of the Youth Agriculture Center. A simple enough ceremony that meant a lot for Liberia...Those present included a Senator, The Minister of Agriculture and the Famous Minister of Youth and Sports, the Honorable Verpileah (quite an intelligent and lovely man, who I hope runs for President of Liberia).
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| Chris Foyah, the Director of YAC |
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| One of my favorite Liberian Politicians, the Honorable Verpileah. |
You may remember I received a tour of this farm a few weeks ago, and excited to return to see the graduates on the hottest day of my journey so far!!
Not only did I get to witness this moment of history and visit with some amazing new "farmers," but I was able to experience "Life in Liberia." I was the guest of a Chief of Party of an NGO partnering with YAC. It was interesting in that we were the ONLY non Liberians present. Very good to see that Liberia can "work" without the constant meddling of USAID etc.
YAC is based on the Songhai model. An institution created by Fr. Godfrey Nzamujo of Benin. He was present to congratulate the students and to give the (extensive) key note address. His presentation was AMAZING, uplifting, and his gift for preaching transferred easily to his gift of presenting sustainable farming.
I want to visit Songhai, Benin so BAD!
Of course, if you know me, I was in tears most of the time during the presentation.
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| When this woman stood up in the crowd, and then started singing her heart out about giving thanks to God I was on my knees! Just a flawless testament! |
There were 127 graduates who made it through the 18 month training. All 127 were present and excited. Quite a spectacular day as these students are now charged to return to their respective counties and creating sustainable farming for their families and their communities.
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| Father Nzamujo - who was introduced as the "Father of African Agriculture." |
I truly am blessed to have been able to witness this event (and eat the awesome fried chicken served at the VIP luncheon!)
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| Meeting and chatting with the Father of African Agriculture - I am so wanting to go to Benin and visit it his Institute! |
I know you were in tears my friend. I am sure it was absolutely amazing.
ReplyDeleteWish you were here - I know you would have been crying too! Happy Tears! I didn't write above that I was also shouting "Amen" and "Preach it!" It was "Farm Church."
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