Articles written by FH staff writer
Articles written by
FH staff writer
Cropping Out Poverty
Before partnering with FH, many communities farmed and gardened in ways they had done for centuries. While traditional farming methods are important, it’s also necessary to incorporate simple new agricultural techniques that keep soil healthy and diversify crops. As FH partners with communities, many are looking for better agricultural success. Implementing these new practices are the first place to start.
Fighting for Dignity
Shahida Yeasmin was an anomaly in Char Borobila. Instead of dropping out of school between the ages of seven and 10 like most other girls, she managed to stay in school, pass her exams, and actually graduate from secondary school! While her peers were working at home or being forced into early child marriage, Shahida was excelling in a predominately boys’ world.
Recipe: Ethiopian Hisbist
Across Ethiopia, Hisbist is a staple bread prepared for large gatherings marking almost any special occasion—birthdays, weddings, graduations, or hosting special guests. It ain’t a party without Hisbist. And what better way to feed a crowd while helping guests feel at home than with fresh bread?
Poverty Busters: Kids Helping Kids
Poverty Busters worldwide were recently joined by a host of Calgarian Vacation Bible School (VBS) attendees. Ninety elementary-aged children from two churches in Calgary teamed up to take poverty alleviation seriously by raising funds to furnish a school in a developing community. Knowing that children there are forced to learn without desks or school supplies, these VBS kids tackled their goal with a roar!
Heroes of Transformation: Meet Neak Phanna
Real change for communities does not happen overnight. Each of us plays an important role—from supporter to office staff to community leader. It takes years of relationship building, planning, education, and persistence. But the conduits that make this happen? FH staff who live and work in the community, who truly walk alongside leaders, churches, and families.
Recipes: Bangladeshi Eggs Shahi Korma
Rich spices have dominated Bangladeshi cooking for centuries—in fact, Europeans have South Asia to thank for most of the flavours used today. This dish is a sweet-and-savoury meal that blends a wide variety of flavours Canadians often would not mix, but in the end work well!
Washing Away Superstition
Superstition, misconceptions, and poor health knowledge made Julekha and her family vulnerable to disease. Most of the people in her village were illiterate and extremely poor. A lack of health clinics perpetuated the people’s reliance on superstitious beliefs to heal their illnesses.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Coffee of Your Life
You may remember that our last issue of Hope Notes began with an interview with the Waktola family of Sasiga, Ethiopia. They enthusiastically told us that having coffee with friends and neighbours was the number one thing they did for fun. So we decided to dig a little deeper into where that comes from.
Smallholder Farmer Battles Termites, and Wins!
Anyone who has ever spent time on a farm knows how fickle the field of agriculture is. A little bad weather, a natural disaster, or an insect infestation can derail a farmer’s work so severely that they have to start over.
Overcoming Discrimination in Burundi
Meet Ananie. She’s a sweet 16 year old living in Burundi. Ananie is a hard worker who is doing quite well in school; she expects to graduate high school in two years. Her mom proudly boasts about Ananie’s strong character and position as a role model in their community. If you met her today, you’d probably never guess her back story.
Around the Coffee Pot: Q & A with families in Sasiga, Ethiopia
Mother, Tarike: I grew up in Oromia Sasiga District. My parents worked as day labourers on a state farm. All of my siblings (one brother and three sisters) are now farmers. As a young girl, I used to make a little money doing trade in my community. I did not go to school.