Stories

Canadians feel the seasons, no matter where in our massive country we live. But imagine this—attempting to judge the seasons by the produce department at your local supermarket. You’d be led to think we all lived in a perpetual summer. Strawberries in January? No problem! What about tomatoes, red peppers, or cucumbers in February? Fill your shopping cart!

Somewhere in Mbirizi, a small village tucked in green hills in the very centre of Rwanda, a woman named Djalia stands proudly outside her home. Her small garden outside is watered, the cow, chickens, and rabbits are fed. Her six children and one grandchild are inside, they have all eaten. But things weren’t always this hopeful for Djalia.

These days, health and hygiene lessons also include how to protect herself, her family, and her community from COVID-19

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.

It’s not exactly “business as usual” for a handful of companies in British Columbia. While the bulk of companies prioritize the bottom line—balancing the numbers and cutting costs to make as much money as possible—Alderidge Construction, Stattonrock Design & Build, Balzer’s Brushing, and Ferguson Moving & Storage have gone to great lengths to inject meaning into their work.

It's a fitting name for the individuals in Busekera who recently came together to form a sewing co-operative after receiving income-generating skills training from Food for the Hungry (FH) Rwanda. In addition to training, they also received sewing machines and start-up materials. This experience prompted 73 people to change their future.

For holistic and integrated development to succeed, everyone needs to pitch in, and everyone's pitch counts. Whether it's $25 for a pair of chickens or $100 for a sewing machine - each contribution is an integral piece of the vibrant mosaic of a thriving community.