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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

From February 2nd to 4th, 2025, Field of Hope participated in the Transformation Training Workshop at St. Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira. This impactful three-day event brought together over 60 participants from diverse sectors—NGOs, local government, education, health, business, and community work—all with the shared goal of driving transformation through self-reflection, appreciation, and problem-solving.

Led by expert facilitators from Spain and the UK, the workshop introduced dynamic training methods, including interactive skits, meditation practices, and team-building activities to equip participants with practical skills for fostering positive change in their workplaces and communities.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

Day 1: Understanding Self & Others

The workshop kicked off with engaging skits and exercises that helped participants understand how language and perception shape interactions. Through activities focused on emotional, intellectual, and practical intelligence, attendees explored how personal awareness can enhance leadership and problem-solving.

Day 2: The Power of Appreciation & Communication

Participants learned the importance of acknowledging greatness in others—whether in workplaces, communities, or families. By practicing the “Greatness I see in your eyes” exercise and embracing “magic words” like forgiveness, gratitude, kindness, fairness, and honesty, attendees discovered how small acts of appreciation can create lasting transformation.

Day 3: Meditation & Problem-Solving

The final day introduced meditation practices using Magic Mats, a tool for cultivating positive energy, self-awareness, and clarity in decision-making. Participants reflected on how self-improvement contributes to community growth and problem-solving.

Participant Reflections

David Obong, Program Officer at Field of Hope:
“This workshop was a game-changer. It reinforced the power of positive reinforcement in the workplace. I now have ideas for training pre-service agriculture teachers to help them value their profession and agriculture as a whole.”

Walter Okullu, Country Coordinator at Field of Hope:
“The well-curated training deepened my understanding of how we can use emotional and spiritual support to turn weaknesses into strengths. Field of Hope can integrate many of these lessons into our day-to-day training for beneficiaries.”

Moving Forward: Applying Lessons Learned

As a team, Field of Hope is committed to incorporating the principles and practices from the workshop into our daily work. Key actions include:

• Integrating appreciation exercises and magic words into team interactions and performance evaluations.
• Applying self-reflection and meditation techniques to enhance problem-solving and leadership.
• Strengthening communication and collaboration within our programs to better serve teachers, students, and farmers.

The Transformation Training Workshop was more than an event—it was a catalyst for personal and community growth. By embracing these lessons, we can continue our mission of empowering individuals and transforming communities through agriculture and education.

Stay connected for more updates on how we’re applying these insights!

My name is Cherotich Tracy Faith, and I am 21 years old, a proud Ugandan. I grew up in the far eastern region of Uganda, in Kapchorwa district, Sebei region, in a small village called Koro Kween, Kapchesiy ward, East Division, Kapchorwa Municipality.

I come from a large, loving family, raised in an extended household with my parents and relatives. My mother is a primary school teacher, and my late father was a private secondary school teacher in the arts. However, their salaries were not enough to cover all our needs, so we relied heavily on crop farming for food and school fees. As the second-born in a family of ten siblings, I learned the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of education from an early age.

Pursuing My Passion for Agriculture

I am currently a student at Busitema University, Arapai Campus, in Soroti district, Uganda, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, specializing in crop and animal science. My love for agriculture comes from both my upbringing and my passion for making a difference in my community.

Studying at Busitema University has been an incredible experience. The hands-on practical training, engaging lecturers, and supportive academic environment make learning enjoyable. Being surrounded by like-minded students with similar dreams and goals has motivated me further. Through various student clubs and discussions, I have been able to grow academically, spiritually, and socially, shaping my vision for the future.

One of my favorite courses last semester was Rural Sociology, as it taught me how to engage with different communities, break misconceptions about agriculture, and inspire others to embrace it. Other modules, such as Computer Applications, Agricultural Economics, and Horticulture, have also deepened my knowledge and ignited a stronger passion for the field.

Dreams and Aspirations

Graduating with this degree is my greatest goal, but beyond that, I want to use my knowledge and skills to make an impact. My vision is to:

• Start agricultural projects and enterprises that serve as learning hubs for youth.
• Create job opportunities for young people, empowering them to become self-reliant.
• Pursue further studies—a Master’s and Ph.D. in Agriculture—to deepen my expertise.
• Take on leadership roles in the agricultural sector, using my skills to influence positive change.

With God as my guide, I am determined to make a difference.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Field of Hope

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Field of Hope for their unwavering support. Because of this organization, I am one step closer to achieving my dreams. I will forever be an ambassador for Field of Hope, carrying forward its mission and making you proud.

May God bless you abundantly!

Cherotich Tracy-Faith, Scholarship Recipent

What an incredible journey with Field of Hope as a volunteer it has been! These past four months have reminded of how powerful it is for someone to have hope. Most especially what it means to gain back the hope and faith you had lost.

Hope is something that ignites a flame of possibilities and it is fair to say that I have witnessed hope in a few field trips that I took with the team to visit schools, farmer groups, and during different teacher trainings.

Despite coming from a different part of the country (western Uganda) with different cultures, unfortunately the culture of women being unable to support themselves financially and living in fear of what’s next is a culture we all share!, most especially in areas where women have not had a chance for education. They tend to lose hope and get consumed into early marriages, and becoming vulnerable to sexual harassment, physical and mentor gender-based violence.

However, through Field of Hope efforts, I have seen a glimmer of hope. From the few visits that I joined Joseph and Agnes to the farmers’ villages for gender equality trainings, cooperative trainings, leadership trainings, impact assessment visits, it would be fair for me to say that Field of Hope is returning a sense of hope to these women and to the community members.

A farmer being able to use good farming methods gives her hope for high yield produce, A woman learning how to save her money and use it for the right purpose for-example paying for her children’s school fees gives her hope for the future, A girl child being able to go complete her education gives her hope for independence and a voice to advocate for her rights in the society’

A woman producing her own food without going to work in someone’s garden so she could get a free meal is a win, A young girl having access to clean water and not moving a long distance in the bushes alone looking for water gives her hope for good mental health tomorrow because it reduces her vulnerability to sexual assault and exploitation.

These experiences have filled me with joy, knowing that field of hope is making a tangible difference in the lives of women and small holder farmers. The joy on their faces whenever they would be welcoming Field of hope team says it all, it reflects hope to me. a

Being directly attached to the Youth Agriculture Education pillar, I closely with the pillar head David and also joined him for school visits to do teacher evaluation and deliver career talks to students. The eagerness on students faces hoping that our presence would bring a positive chance showed me that there is need.

And speaking of hope, A teacher having enough resources to teach now hopes for a successful lesson, and his learners’ success in that specific subject. Learners having enough resources, being able to have hands on learning, they hope to understand the concept more, gives them a chance to escape classroom boredom, and gives the agriculture industry hope for having more people with practical knowledge about agriculture, thus hope for food security, sustainable agriculture and stable income.

As a Christian, I have learned that hope strengthens my faith in God, trusting in his provision, serving others with the hope of making a positive impact and giving them hope the future has been a rewarding experience

Hope and excitement about the future are very essential, we all need hope to motivate us to have faith that tomorrow will be better than today. I am grateful to God for this experience and I want to send my heartfelt gratitude to the founders, donors, and board members, and the Ugandan team of field of hope for what incredible Seeds of Hope you are sowing in Ugandan communities. God bless you!

Anne Oshaba, Volunteer

A highlight of my time here in Uganda is being able to meet with students. These students truly are the leaders of today. They embody what it means to have an eagerness to learn and to strengthen each other. I am constantly amazed by the students’ support of one another and their interests. I can confidently say that these students have big dreams!

When visiting schools, I always sit with the students to talk to them, and let them know am here to learn with them. It is lots of fun to learn about each student and their interest. After our lessons together, I get the opportunity to have a few moments of encouragement with the students. In my words with them, I began asking the question, “who is interested in starting their own business one day?” The first time I asked students this question I was immediately taken back from the response. It was a class full–with over 75 students when asked the question, and over 50 students shot up their hands in excitement. To see students with a passion and a dream of their own business was heartwarming. In every class I have walked into, I have asked this question, and it never fails that over half the class will raise their hands. The next question I ask is, “how do we turn this dream into a reality?” It’s simple, I tell students to glance around at all of the hands raised and remember them. Remember the community you are sitting with. Remember your friends when they one day take the risk to begin their business. Remember to support one another. The day the students begin to chase their dreams will be a day of renewed growth in their lives. I share a small glimpse of how I was able to begin two successful businesses, with the hopes of encouraging them to chase their own dream even more.

If we highlight young people’s success we will see a major impact on communities here in Uganda. From selling vegetables to becoming a tailor, to starting your livestock breeding program, it is important that we learn to support our young people in chasing their dreams. No matter how big of a risk these leaders of tomorrow may take, it is our job to support each other and ensure they can be successful leaders, farmers, business owners, doctors, and teachers, etc. Students must know they have the choice to follow their passions and have the support of their communities behind them to achieve these dreams.

-Hunter Lee Adkins, Fellow ’24

The leadership style of Jesus was simple. Jesus put others before himself, encouraged others, and served others with his whole heart. From a young age, I made it my mission to have the leadership style of Jesus; no matter where I go or what I do. I am thankful that these first few weeks here in Uganda have allowed me to do just that.

Growing up I always had a desire to serve others in a greater capacity– from selling lemonade on the side of the road or lending a helping hand to someone in need. The past two weeks here in Uganda have allowed me fulfill this desire to serve. I was able to visit several villages and meet with the women of Uganda. Hearing their stories and seeing different parts of their culture has been a highlight of my fellowship so far! As we visit villages I notice everyone I meet has something in common. They all have determination, resilience, and most importantly: Faith. Watching these women work so hard for what they have and depend on God to provide rain for their crops has inspired me.

On Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, I received the opportunity to visit a school outside of Lira, Angelika Secondary School. It was inspiring to meet with students and observe their eagerness to learn more about agriculture. I was able to speak to the class and tell them about my life story. I urged them to find what they are most passionate about and chase their dreams. I loved getting to speak to the students and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones to chase those dreams they have, further their education, or start their own business. Their excitement fed my love for them and my love to have a leadership style of Jesus.

The leadership of Jesus was yet simple but powerful. It was a turning point for many individuals. Yes, speaking to students in a classroom or riding out to villages to watch women’s groups work extremely hard and relying upon their faith for tomorrow’s harvest may seem simple. However, I have found that leadership begins from the love of wanting to serve others and you don’t have to have a “big stage” to create impact and change others. I am full of gratitude and humbleness for my time here in Uganda. I am excited to see more of what the people of Uganda have in store for not just me but Field of Hope.

Hunter Lee Adkins, Fellow ’24

When I started my graduate education at Texas A&M University, I quickly learned about the dearly held traditions of the University dearly. My favorite being, “Howdy.”  To grab students’ attention in the classroom, to start an email, when you run into another Aggie at the grocery store, we use the word Howdy. It is a one-word introduction with the power to identify yourself as a part of the Aggie community.

Because of Howdy, before I left for Uganda, I had a goal of learning an introduction in the local language. My hope was to demonstrate to farmers that I wanted to build community and was willing to put in the work. Field of Hope staff, Agnes Obote, and junior board member Sarah McCord were gracious enough to provide two videos teaching common words and phrases in Lango. I would set time in my calendar titled “Lango time” to watch these videos and try to remember small pieces of the language.

Regardless of the time I spent repeating the videos, I was still very nervous when going to introduce myself. It wasn’t until the second farmers group that I grew the courage to be able to do part of my introduction in Lango, practicing over and over with the intern, Robina. While Joseph still had to repeat everything I said, the women farmers cheered and laughed (hopefully more with me, than at me). Now, I continue to add pieces of the local language to my introduction at financial literacy trainings, agriscience trainings, and to the Her Mighty Hands groups. While my Midwest accent proved difficult to hide, thankfully, Joseph is having to repeat less and less with every training.

Throughout the past four weeks, I’ve learned the value Field of Hope places on leadership development for folks within the organization. Learning this piece of Ugandan culture is possible because of the patience of Field of Hope staff, board members, and interns. Robina, Agnes, and Joseph continue to kindly correct my accent, answer my questions, and challenge me to build my vocabulary.

While Howdy helped me build community Texas, and Apwoyo is leading me to build a community in Uganda. I deeply appreciate every group’s patience and grace they give me as I learn through mistakes. It is through these introductions that I hope to show my recognition that I am in their space, their culture, and by speaking a piece of their local language, I show respect for being able to join the group and learn with them.

I butu aber, nyinga Meikah. Atiyu kede Field of Hope. A ya I United States of America. Apwoyo me note kede wu. Obanga mi gum!

Good morning, my name is Meikah. I work with Field of Hope. I am from United States of America. Thank you for having me join you. God Bless You!

Meikah Dado, Fellow ’24

Growing up, whenever my siblings and I left for school, my mom would always tell us to “work hard, get smart.” After she dropped me off at the airport and I began my travel journey to Uganda, I kept that phrase in my mind. Now, as I am through my first week in-country, my mom was right; I am certainly going to work hard and get smart throughout the next three months in Uganda.

The ways I was able to work hard and get smart varied throughout the week. After arriving in Lira on a Friday, I took the weekend to become familiar with my surroundings. Including washing clothes, buying food at the market, attending church, and talking with community members. While these tasks were important, I was ready to get to work by the time Monday rolled around.

And boy, Monday did not disappoint. Monday included visiting the Leyi Naa project in Dokolo. With support from Field of Hope, this village is raising four sows and one boar. The most evident aspect of this visit was the pride the village had for their production. As I walked around with my camera, one farmer, Pastor Tim, would point out which plants in his garden I should take pictures of as he carefully explained to me what each one was. As we went to visit the livestock, a woman farmer pointed out a rabbit of theirs for me to photograph. And then the star of the show – the pigs. Many people from the village came to feed their pigs, and the pigs were just as excited to see them. Afterwards, the village received training from Field of Hope on preparing for breeding, bookkeeping, and biosecurity. While the purpose of extension is an opportunity for education, it also provides an opportunity for farmers to show how hard they have worked.

Tuesday was another day in the field and a special day for me. Since 2021, I have been a board member of Her Mighty Hands, who has been partnering with Field of Hope to provide smartphones with video-based agricultural extension to women farmers. Tuesday was the day I met participants of the Her Mighty Hands group for the first time. It is one thing to see the pictures sent by Joseph and Agnes of how the groups are doing, versus being able to visit the gardens and hear about how bringing extension curriculum to their own field impacts their ability to learn as a farmer. Extension can come in a variety of ways, and I am looking forward to hearing more about how videos have the potential to be a tool for women to access education and ultimately be more productive.

While Wednesday was a (much needed) office day to catch up on work, Thursday brought the opportunity to attend another extension training on financial literacy. It was this day that I realized how prepared Field of Hope staff are for the training they provide. Walter and Agnes created an effective learning environment with an interactive lesson for the women’s group. Many smiles and laughs were shared during this time, and while I could not understand the local language, Lango, I shared the smiles and laughter all the same.

To round out the week, Friday included a visit to the second Her Mighty Hands group, with a stop at another Leyi Naa project along the way. It was a week full of opportunities to see the impact of extension. Field of Hope does an incredible job at maximizing time and resources to create a significant impact. Just from this first week, I know this summer will be an incredible opportunity to work hard and get smart.

By: Meikah Dado, FOH Fellow ’24

It is quite easy to under-rate the work you do and water down the achievements you make because most times we focus on “how” big the outcome is. Over time, I have appreciated that fulfillment comes in different ways-be it just affording a meal a day or putting a smile on the face of that burdened person or inspiring someone by your deeds. For the better part of my life, I have often been so drawn into completing what is before me that I have had little time to know how many people are following the work I do. 

It is not until 2022 that I knew our work as Field of Hope is not only appreciated in Uganda, but also in the other countries, notably Kenya, because the approach we employ tended to address challenges that are equally faced by their smallholder farmers. This led to the initiation of a partnership between Field of Hope and God’s Grace For All Nations (GGFAN), a Kenyan Christian Organization with a mission: “That all the 109 tribal groups of Kenya would have access to the Gospel of God’s Love through Jesus Christ.” GGFAN is using agriculture as one of the strategies to transform these communities and spread the Gospel and being a new initiative, FOH has been working with them to develop programs under agricultural department. To track the progress and maintain partnership, GGFAN invited me for a one-week visit to their base in Nyahururu. 

It is fair to say that I was impressed by the progress on the ground. I had the opportunity to interact with the pupils of Little Lambs Academy, who had started implementing agriculture curriculum that looks to embrace using agriculture to teach all other subjects-a model that they borrowed from MST Junior School in Uganda, a beneficiary of FOH Inspiring Students in Agriculture Grant. Their confidence and eloquence in speech were evident, their explanations of the management practices were accurate, and yet they did these with beaming smiles on their faces-a true expression of passion and excitement about agriculture. Other than just agriculture, it was so fulfilling seeing how the board, donor representatives, staff, and the children bonded together in the fellowship of our Lord. The Christian values and morals that have been inculcated in these kids are there to be desired. 

My major emphasis was on the agriculture department, which we helped formulate in 2022. I visited two of the 11 regional agriculture experts, hailing from Kipipiri and Isiolo regions. The 11 experts are tasked with providing extension services, Coops formation and linking the farmers across the regions to service providers and input dealers. These visits gave me a unique chance to offer expert opinions on how best they could strengthen their associations, encouraging them to stay united in pursuit of their goals, and deliver some fundamental recommendations to the organization regarding water crisis, seed-support to the cooperatives and a long-term buffer financial plan. One great initiative that was undertaken by GGFAN as part of the 2022 recommendations is the field days, where many stakeholders across the agricultural value chain showcase their technologies at Namelok Retreat Center. This event allows farmers to interact with these stakeholders and establish connections thus harnessing partnership and linkages. In my presence, we were able to brainstorm on this year’s event slated for 15th and 16th March. We also looked at their demonstration sites, which were doing exceedingly well. 

In effort to build the capacity of the agriculture experts, there was a one-day workshop where financial and extension officers and input dealers discussed the best practices, their products and services. I was happy to share with them about formation, principles, values, challenges, and sustainability of a cooperative, deriving examples from our work as Field of Hope with the farming communities. These discussions helped us to produce actionable solutions to the challenges they are facing. 

This visit also provided space to deepen the relationship between the two organizations-forging ways to further our partnership. We believe with God’s provision and guidance; we can continue to provide technical support to the GGFAN’s Ag. Department, offer supporting role to the primary school agriculture program at LLA, provide leadership training to Pastors and staff at FOH, facilitate exchange visits between the two organizations and collaborate on joint capacity building of organizations’ technical staff. 

I thank God for this opportunity and FOH, and GGFAN for allowing me to participate in this collaboration effort. I have learnt a lot and I believe this will only make both organizations better as we look to impact beyond borders. 

Okullu Walter 

FOH-Ugandan Country Coordinator