Feed families & rebuild 3000 futures in Sri Lanka

Dear Supporters,

I am excited to provide you with an update on the Agriculture Program at Thiniyawala Maha Vidyalaya, a school situated in a rural area bordering the Southern and Western provinces within the Mathugama Zone. This initiative, an extension of our Feeding the Future project, aims to empower students and teachers to cultivate fresh vegetables from the school garden for their mid-meals. Thiniyawala Maha Vidyalaya was selected due to its location in an economically challenged area, with a majority of students coming from rural, low-educated, and financially disadvantaged families, including marginalized Estate Tamils.

Thiniyawala Maha Vidyalaya was chosen for the Agriculture Program as part of our ongoing commitment to address nutritional challenges faced by students in the wake of economic recession and food shortages in Sri Lanka. Currently, TFT provides free mid-day meals to 136 children in this school.

The Agriculture Program was officially launched on May 9, 2023, at Thiniyawala Maha Vidyalaya, and I am pleased to report that the project has made significant strides over the past two and a half months.

All plants anticipated in the first stage have been successfully planted. Short-term crops are now bearing fruit, with the three-month-old plants expected to be harvested soon. The upcoming harvest will contribute to the mid-meals, enhancing the nutritional intake of the students through organic produce. The program has sparked increased interest among students to study agriculture as a subject, expanding their knowledge about cultivation. Parents are actively participating and supporting the program, contributing to its success. The production of organic fertilizers has been integrated into the program, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. The Agriculture Program has played a vital role in the development of extracurricular activities within the school.

The progress achieved so far is a testament to the positive impact our collective efforts are making in the lives of these students. The Agriculture Program at Thiniyawala Maha Vidyalaya is not just about cultivating crops; it is about cultivating a brighter and more sustainable future for the entire community.

Thank you for your continued support, which has been instrumental in turning this vision into a reality.

Warm regards,

Joel