My Recess Journey: Growth Beyond the Classroom

At Busitema University, learning doesn’t end in lecture halls. My recess term at the university farm was a powerful reminder that education thrives in the field—where theory meets practice and passion meets purpose. Sponsored by Field of Hope, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in practical agriculture, gaining real-world skills that will shape my future.

Here’s a glimpse into how I spent my recess—transforming knowledge into action across various agricultural sectors.

 

  1. Buzzing with purpose: Beekeeping

I started with apiary management, where I learned how to rear bees and produce honey and other by-products like wax and royal jelly. I practiced hive installation (Langstroth being the best option), baiting techniques, bee handling, honey harvesting, and pest control. The highlight? Bottling honey I helped extract. Beekeeping taught me patience, safety, and the power of pollinators in food production.

 

  1. Waste to feed: Black soldier fly farming

This innovative approach to producing high-protein animal feed from organic waste fascinated me. I explored the Black Soldier Fly’s lifecycle and how its larvae convert waste into sustainable feed. I built rearing units, managed larvae production, and processed them into feed. It’s a smart, eco-friendly solution to feed shortages in livestock farming.

 

  1. Piggery: From breeding to biosecurity

In the piggery unit, I got hands-on with housing design, feed formulation, heat detection, breeding (including AI and natural mating), and disease control. I learned to identify common pig diseases and administer treatments. Proper sanitation, deworming, and record-keeping were critical in maintaining healthy pigs.

 

  1. Poultry: Raising layers for success

Focusing on layer chickens, I started from the brooder stage with 1-day-old chicks and followed through to the egg-laying stage. I mastered feeding stages, vaccinations (e.g., Marek’s, Lasota, Gumboro), disease management, and housing transitions. This training built on what I already practiced at home—deepening my love for poultry farming.

 

  1. Small but mighty: Goat rearing

Goats are resilient, low-maintenance animals. I studied their housing, breeding cycles, feeds, and disease management. I also learned to handle health practices like vaccination, ear tagging, hoof trimming, and treating diseases such as PPR and foot rot. Goat rearing is indeed a viable enterprise for both rural and urban farmers.

 

  1. Big impact: Cattle farming

I explored dairy and beef cattle management, including housing design, calf rearing, artificial insemination, and proper feeding. Health management was key—East Coast Fever, anthrax, and mastitis were among the diseases I learned to diagnose and manage. I also practiced calf bucket feeding and record-keeping, preparing me for full-cycle cattle farming.

  1. Natural nutrition: Pasture management

Pastures are vital for healthy livestock. I studied both natural and improved grasses and legumes, such as Napier and desmodium. I learned about pasture establishment, weeding, fertilization, and conservation methods like hay and silage preparation. Well-managed pastures significantly reduce feed costs and improve livestock productivity.

 

  1. Planting with purpose: Horticulture and agroforestry

My horticulture training took me from onion nurseries to transplanting and pest control. I also explored flower gardening, greenhouse management, and fruit orchard care. In agroforestry, I discovered land-use systems that integrate trees, crops, and animals—sustainable and productive for long-term food security.

  1. Powering progress: Agricultural mechanization

Finally, I delved into mechanization—learning to operate tractors, identify tools, maintain equipment, and even weld structures. Understanding both powered and hand tools opened my eyes to the potential of large-scale farming. I practiced post-harvest handling and value addition, key for agribusiness success.

 

Gratitude and Vision ahead

This recess term was more than a learning experience—it was a turning point. I am deeply thankful to Field of Hope for your unwavering support. Your sponsorship empowered me to explore my potential, gain critical skills, and dream bigger.

With what I’ve learned, I’m ready to impact my community, innovate in agriculture, and uplift others. Thank you for believing in me.

 

May God bless you abundantly.

By Cherotich Tracy Faith: Field of Hope-sponsored student,    Busitema University.

My Experience in Uganda: Gracie Fisher

My experience in Uganda was far from what I expected, but it became a trip I will remember for my lifetime. I want to share my story about my journey to Uganda and my time with Field of Hope.

I remember the first time my aunt seriously suggested that I apply for the summer fellowship late last year, I had many doubts and worries but trusted her. After my first call with the team I was instantly at ease, they were so welcoming, it already felt as if we were family.  When I found out I was selected to go I never felt another doubt on the Field of Hope side of things. They were constantly checking in, making sure I was prepared, and putting my worries at ease.

Fast forward to the day before my departure, there was a bump in the road. I needed an unexpected mouth surgery, but by the grace of God, less than 24 hours later I was on a plane to Uganda. The trip was not easy and there were many moments when I thought, “What am I doing?”, but when I landed I instantly knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. I was excited to spend my summer there.

About three weeks in, I was settled in and had a routine when my mouth flared up again. My first thought was I can’t tell anyone because I did not want to take the chance of going home, but after a few hours I knew the smartest decision was to call home. When my family told me the best decision was to come back, I was truly heartbroken. The next 48 hours were a blur, and it took a while to adjust to being back in the United States. But with time to reflect, I’ve realized many things.

My first thought when this happened was, “Why me?”, but after sitting with it I realized I shouldn’t ask, “Why me?” because I had to come home early but rather “Why me?” that I was blessed enough to go in the first place. I believe with all my heart that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we may never know that reason, but we just have to trust.

I truly could not have asked for a better organization to be with during this time. Field of Hope has been incredible. They have continued to make me feel a part of the family and have allowed me to keep contributing from home, which I am so thankful for. They gave me this opportunity I will never forget.

I miss the connections I made in Uganda deeply, and I pray that one day I will be able to see them all again. Thank you, Field of Hope.

 

Gracie Fisher, Fellow ’25

Empowered to lead, grow, and transform: My journey with the Marshal Papworth Program 2025

Earlier this year, I was blessed with an incredible opportunity, thanks to Hands Around the World (a Field of Hope partner), in partnership with the Marshal Papworth Fund (MPF), to take part in the 2025 MPF short course program. What I thought would be just a training quickly turned into something much deeper: a journey of empowerment, growth, and hope.

This program brought together 16 participants from 6 African countries to the UK, each of us passionate about agriculture and eager to create change in our communities. The curriculum was rich and practical, covering everything from crop and livestock management to agribusiness training, leadership development, and community engagement. What made MPF unique was the perfect balance between hands-on fieldwork and in-depth classroom sessions as admistered by Harper Adams University top-notch lecturers in their state of the art learning facilities. Whether it was soil health, mechanization, post-harvest handling, or market engagement, every lesson spoke directly to the realities farmers face daily.

 

But what touched me most were the sessions on leadership and mindset transformation. These moments stretched us beyond technical skills and challenged us to see ourselves as visionaries, change agents, and servant leaders.

“For me, this wasn’t just training, it was a call to lead with purpose and courage.”

I came away not only learning but also leading. The sessions on project management, group dynamics, and organizational leadership inspired bold visions in all of us. Some of my fellow participants have already started demonstration farms, savings groups, and farmer-led cooperatives. Personally, I am focusing on reducing post-harvest losses among smallholder farmers by promoting hermetic storage technologies and other innovative solutions among other ideas to transfer to the farmers. Seeing these efforts already sparking change at the grassroots level makes me hopeful for the future.

This resonates so strongly with Field of Hope’s mission of equipping leaders to lift their communities through agriculture and faith. Through this program, I experienced that mission firsthand, igniting in me both an entrepreneurial spirit and a servant-leadership mindset.

Another turning point for me was how the program shifted my view of agribusiness. Like many, I once saw farming mainly as survival. The MPF program opened my eyes to farming as a business, a source of income, sustainability, and community transformation. Concepts like value addition, global marketing strategies, and business planning hit home for me, and now I see my community not just as farmers but as entrepreneurs capable of driving innovation and creating jobs.

Perhaps the most beautiful outcome, however, was the friendships and networks we built. Despite coming from different regions, we shared the same struggles and dreams. Today, those connections are blossoming into collaborations, support systems, and lasting bonds that remind me that transformation is never a solo journey, it thrives in community.

Beyond the Classroom: Experiences in the UK

Alongside the classroom and fieldwork, the program also gave us remarkable opportunities to immerse ourselves in the history, culture, and innovation of the United Kingdom.

One highlight was attending and presenting at the Lincolnshire Agricultural Trade Show, where we engaged with farmers, agribusinesses, and innovators from across the UK. Sharing perspectives from Africa while learning about cutting-edge technologies was truly inspiring, it reinforced the global nature of agriculture and the possibilities that come with collaboration.

We also had the joy of experiencing the periodic string musical extravaganza, performed by incredible crews in their 70s and beyond. Watching them play with such energy and passion reminded me that age is no barrier to creativity, joy, and lifelong learning.

Of course, we explored the UK’s rich cultural and historical landmarks. In London, we toured Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, the Tower of London, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, the UK Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Big Ben, and St. James Park. We also visited the Iron Gorge and the Black Country, places steeped in industrial history that shaped modern society.

And as a football fan, visiting legendary stadiums was a dream come true; Old Trafford (Manchester United), Etihad Stadium (Manchester City), Molineux (Wolves F.C), St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park (Birmingham City F.C) and, most importantly, as a proud Arsenal fan, stepping into the Emirates Stadium was an unforgettable moment!

The journey culminated in a moving graduation ceremony, officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, with the presence of MPF leaders and program partners. Standing on that stage, surrounded by fellow participants and supporters, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and responsibility. It was more than just receiving a certificate, it was a commissioning to return home and lead with courage, innovation, and faith.

Looking ahead: Sustaining the momentum

As I reflect, three key lessons stand out for me:

  • Context matters; training that speaks to our local realities is more effective.
  • Peer learning is powerful; we grow faster when we learn together.
  • Ongoing support is vital; mentorship and opportunities for growth sustain impact.

I am deeply grateful to the Marshal Papworth Foundation, Harper Adams University, Hands Around the World and Field of Hope for believing in leaders like me and investing in our future. This experience proved to me that when agricultural training is combined with leadership development, cultural exchange, and spiritual growth, the result is more than just improved harvests, it’s a true harvest of hope.

 

Walter Okullu,

2025 MPF scholar