Stories & Testimonials

Sustainable Harvest International
779 North Bend Road
Surry, ME 04684

P: 207.669.8254
F: 207.669.8255

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Mr. Mensah brings to the SHI Belize team his training as an agricultural engineer, agronomist and educator. Before joining SHI he taught chemistry and construction at the University of Belize, Toledo Campus and worked as an environmental manager/consultant for Meco & Santa Fe Co.  Most recently, he taught Spanish and integrated science at Julian Cho Technical High School and served as the Director for Southern Marketing and Appropriate Research Technology (SMART).  "I love to protect our environment and natural resources so that future generations can afford the same quality of life that we take for granted or are striving to obtain.

Candido Chun grew up farming, worked for five years as a school teacher and as a principal for two years prior to his work with SHI.  Chun sees his work with SHI as a way to give back to his community.  "There have not been too many people who graduated from high school who want to come back and deliver to their community their education based on what they have achieved.  It is for this reason that I chose to be that person to show and prove to the people that I can hold and work with a machete and can be productive.  We must not forget that the people who hold the machete are the ones we most thank for the food we buy at the market."

"I learned from my dad about growing fresh organic vegetables, sustainable and organic agriculture, and I grew up doing farming. Not only am I fond of farm work, but academically I had it too. And so on exam time in 1993 I was very successful. In fact, I was the valedictorian of the class for that year.  During those times it was really difficult for me to enter into high school due to the lack of financial support.  Despite the many hardships, I continued the struggle all on my own. I have engaged in the following activities such as construction, and have attended these short courses in tour guiding, driving of motor vehicle, first aid and agricultural training, beside my agriculture work, which I do for a living. At present I am learning computer skills. I did tour guiding on the side to gain money, so I find out that a lot of people like our farm. Interestingly, in the past we were making home made organic chocolate bars.  I became interested in being an SHI extensionist, which is to teach other farmers the techniques of sedentary and organic agriculture that I have learned from experience. I love to share to other families the way how to grow organic vegetable and to improve the quality of life and health in our communities. And of course, to teach our younger brother and sister who are also interested in agriculture. Today, modern technology education is good but learning the appropriate sustainable agriculture practice is even much better.  Since beginning work with SHI-Belize, farmers have proven me as a person of good caliber, character, qualities, and one with experiences in agriculture."

"My name is Robert Chavarria Jr. I was born on October 12,1987 in Belize City. I am the oldest child in a family of four.   In June of 2006 I graduated with an Associated Degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Belize, Toledo.  During my high school days I assisted my grandfather at his farm at Laguna Junction. We planted corn, rice, beans and presently I'm coordinating my personal vegetable garden. I plant different types of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, cucumber, lettuce and many more. I enjoy working in the fields providing the needy with technical advice and assistance. I enjoy my position as a field trainer due to the fact that I get to know new people, learn new things and finally interact with different people.  My philosophy is that good things comes true with hard work and dedication."

"My name is Bibiana Paquiul and I was born in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo. I grew up in a large family, myself being the fifth child. I graduated from Toledo Community College in June 2004, and I am currently attending the University of Belize in Toledo completing my Associates degree in Natural Resource Management. I had previously conducted some volunteer work with SHI  and it was a very rewarding experience to be out in the field helping the villagers and assisting my community. With the increase in unsustainable agricultural practices and deforestation, it is important to protect our resources.  It has always been my dream to assist in promoting sustainability and that is what I hope to achieve while working with SHI. It will also provide me with an opportunity to give back to my community and my country Belize by assisting in alleviating poverty, promoting environmentally sound practices and protecting the natural resources for future generations."

"I am Estevan Assi Jr. I was born on January 2, 1986 in the beautiful village of San Antonio, Toledo. I am the oldest child in a family of four.   I am still pursuing my Associate's Degree in Natural Resource Management at the University of Belize, Toledo.  When I was younger, I used to walk with my grandfather for three hours just to reach his plantation. His great farm work has inspired me to also become a hardworking farmer. I always look for opportunities in which I could give back to my community. I was also a primary schoolteacher for two years but I decided to move on as an agricultural extensionist, since this is my field of study.  I love working with people and I am more than willing to share my ideas, learn more and meet new faces."

"I am Herminio Sho Jr and I am presently 18 years old. I graduated with a high school diploma in 2006 at the Toledo Community College and did one year of my sixth form studies in Biology at the Sacred Heart Junior College. I was born and raised from the peaceful community of Pueblo Viejo located in the southern part of the Toledo  District, just an hour an a half drive from Punta Gorda.  I am always on the move when it comes to work, meeting people, and at the same time having fun. Working so far with Sustainable Harvest International Belize is very amazing since working hand-in-hand with the people in rural communities is my passion. As a field trainer I look forward to obtaining more knowledge from the organization to share with the people neighboring and rural communities. Reading, working in the fields, hiking, swimming and playing football are some of my favorite hobbies."

Jose Coy is grateful to be a part of the enthusiastic SHI-Belize team.  He says, "Helping my people has always been my passion and this position as gives me that opportunity. Our forest has been devastated and working with SHI gives me ideas about sustainable alternatives to slash-and-burn method used by the farmers here. Farming is the means of earning income for my parents and a thousand others in my village, but through SHI, this can be done to alleviate poverty and improving the condition of our forest.  With an Associate Degree in Accounting, work experience with an International Financial Institution and first-hand experience in farming, I'll contribute to the growth, goals and mission of SHI."

Luther Noralez, I was born in Punta Gorda Town to Adolphus and Macaria Noralez. I am the first of five children, three girls and a boy.  I work for the Belize Electricity Limited as an Electrical Technician. I worked there for twenty- two and a half years. I am married and have two children with my wife. On the 30th of April I was employed with Sustainable Harvest International through the Consortium with Toledo Teacher's Credit Union, Plenty Belize and Sustainable Harvest International which I am enjoying because I have imparted my knowledge with different people I work with in various rural communities. I enjoy what I am doing and will do whatever it takes to continue assist people in rural communities to improve their Nutrition while restoring our planets tropical forest. I am also learning that whatever we do now will dictate the life we live in years to come, so if we plant good seeds now meaning that we incorporate gardening techniques and training into our daily lives on the longer run our children will be the ones benefiting. I am very proud being employed with S.H.I. because of what we are doing teaching Sustainable Agriculture and protecting the environment. I also got the privilege to know new communities, meeting new people and also interacting and working with people in the rural communities.

Andre Price brings a wealth of knowledge to SHI.  Before joining SHI, Andre worked as a teacher at Toledo Community College and at the University of Belize where he taught subjects such as Mathematics, Integrated Science, Geography and Information Technology. He had lived in the United States for a number of years, working on Wall Street and was also in the United States Navy.  As a fundraiser, Andre knows of the challenges ahead and is willing to take up the mantle. "Working to preserve the environment of my community, my district, my country and my planet for future generations; is there a better place to be?"

Nelson Teck was born in the remote village of San Benito Poite, in southern Belize. I Grew up most of my life as a farmer, with farming as my only source of income to provide for my wife and 4 children.  During my early years of childhood, there were not much variety of farm product, only common were corn, beans and rice. One day I happen to cross path with SHI staff where I became interested as a participant in their many projects. I work with SHI-Belize Field Officer for a period of 6 months. Then came a golden opportunity to become a Field Officer for SHI-Belize.  I am happy for such a position and with gratitude and pride I lift up my head as I will be directly involve helping more farmers that are in position.  Before me lies a great journey, one I am eager and willing to take.