My name is David Obong. I am an Educator, with a decade of experience working with both students and the community. I have been a classroom teacher in Secondary schools for eight years and a part-time crop science lecturer in the department of agriculture at National Teachers’ College-Unyama for five years. I am due to graduate with a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension from Kyambogo University. I hold a Bachelor in Education-Subject Agriculture and Diploma in Education Secondary-Subject Agriculture.
I hail from Gulu District, in Northern Uganda where agriculture employs about 85% of the population. All my parents were farmers coupled with my educational background, which is in line with agriculture; I have developed a passion for agriculture. In the near future, with the diverse knowledge and skills I have in agriculture, I hope to start a piggery project, which will provide a training centre for those with a similar passion.
I have been a follower of Field of Hope on Facebook and visiting the organization’s website to learn more about what they do. I got inspired by the impacts the farmers, teachers, and students were testifying. I had no idea that God was preparing my path to join the organization. When I learned that the organization was in need of a volunteer, I applied, and I was absorbed into the amazing Field of Hope family. In my opinion, food is medicine. Therefore, when people practice agriculture in the right way and eat balanced diets, they will solve many health issues without visiting hospitals. Therefore, the best gift I can give to Field of Hope partner teachers, students, and farmers is to instill in them the right agricultural mindset, skills, and technologies. This is what motivated me to join Field of Hope.
Based on school visits and teacher evaluations I have conducted, as well as giving career and inspirational talks to both teachers and students, many students are getting excited about agriculture, I predict that in the next five to ten years, many youths will pursue agriculture as a career, and agriculture will be practiced as a business.