Everything doesn't always go as planned; sometimes a situation that may initially seem disastrous is really a blessing in disguise. Point Hope's sustainable growth initiative is an example of that. Several years ago, Delilah went to the chiefs of Buduburam, and bought nineteen acres of land. Some of this acreage was to be used to build a soccer field for the children, but we soon realized that the Ghanaian rains made this an impractical application -- they turned the soccer field into a mud pit! What we discovered, however, is that this mud pit grew some wonderful vegetables.

Out of one project, another was born. We've used this land to establish a farm for the community. Participants in our sustainable growth program use the tools, seeds, and land that we've provided to grow and sell corn, palaba, broccoli, cabbage, and all sorts of other vegetables. The project is a communal effort. Here is how it works: someone volunteers for the role of farmer, harvester, or seller. At the end of the day, food is divvied up among all of them. Because vegetables are prone to spoiling, this is a rare case in which sometimes there is more food than is immediately needed -- which is not to say that any of it goes to waste! The excess food is hauled away and sold in the marketplace. Afterwards, the money is divided among everyone who contributed to the effort, and used to purchase other life necessities for their families, like clothing and toiletries.

$20 is all it takes to subsidize a farmer to plant seeds and tend crops on the farmland provided by Point Hope. Click either the image to the right or the How You Can Help button up top, and send your gift today.  Help sow the seeds of a better Buduburam!