Belkys was so excited to join CEPAD’s Family Gardening Program. She had missed the initial start of the program, and was discouraged knowing that there were no spaces available for her. But when one of the original participants dropped out, she knew this was her chance to join. During a community meeting, members voted, and Belkys was able to join the program. She was so enthusiastic she started clearing her yard right away.

“I had never worked with vegetables before, but seeing other women that were growing them in my community, I was motivated to try. I always had the dream to have a garden, to produce our own food at home. Now everyone who visits me wants to see my garden!”

“I’m thankful to CEPAD, because not only do they encourage us and provided us with seeds and workshops at no cost to us, but they also teach us different techniques to manage our gardens.”

Now Belkys has a variety of fruits and vegetables growing in her yard where there was nothing before. She is having lots of success with her produce and hopes it can be encouraging to others.

“My dream is that my garden could serve as an example for others who have to buy all their food but have some space to have their own garden. I want to encourage them to plant, because we have the ability to grow our own food in an organic way that’s good for us and the environment!”

Belkys believes that having her own garden is a win-win for many reasons, but credits CEPAD for providing these new opportunities.

“CEPAD has been a blessing to our community. Many women, men, and youth have been benefited. The only that’s expected of us is to work hard so that the projects are successful. Thank you, CEPAD, and may you continue blessing rural communities!”

To provide other women like Belkys with the same opportunity to organically grow their own food, you can join us here.