SHI Youth will be the Farmers of the Future

Children are the future and in order to further our work we need to develop values in children that they can share with their parents.

~ Mercedes Alvarez, SHI Regional Coordinator

Critical to SHI’s mission and vision of sustainable and regenerative development is acclimating youth of all ages to the various themes necessary for a healthy lifestyle.  Outside of their routine home and farm visits, SHI field trainers in all four countries take the time to work with primary school children, teachers, and parents to further develop aan awareness for sustainable livelihoods and a healthy planet. When not planning the next crop rotation with a farmer, or offering insight into cover crops, staff can be found in one of thirty schools educating youth on the importance of healthy soils, planting organic gardens and tree nurseries, and engaging students in dynamic reforestation projects and introspective tours of their local water source.

Since its initiation in 1997, SHI has offered hundreds of Central American youth the opportunity to become local environmental leaders and active community members. For many youth, school programs are an entrance into understanding food systems and nature.

Read much more about SHI's school programs - click here for more articles tagged "education."

PHOTO ABOVE: Papaya seedlings ready for transplant!  This school in El Paraiso, Honduras is taking part in reforestation and gardening projects that are restoring the natural forest and improving family nutrition. By working with their teachers and SHI’s local staff, they are learning techniques that will ensure a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come.