ChildFund's Home gardening Program: Growing Healthy Futures for Kiribati Youth

                                                                                             Gardening Cohort 2 group photo 

 ChildFund Kiribati’s home gardening training is designed for local youth in Betio and TUC aged 15 to 30 who have a passion for gardening. This program equips participants with the skills to grow food, improve their family's health, and open doors to job opportunities, including seasonal work. Many of the participants are out-of school and out-of-employment youth. 

The program covers 11 key topics, which include: 

Gardening students during a hand on gardening session.

1. Bible & Agriculture 

Gardening students with their lecturer, Pastor Tabera Tenieu, during a hands-on gardening session.

2. Understanding Plants 

3. Understanding Soil 

4. Water in Atolls 

5. Seed Planting & Nursery Setup 

6. Transplanting into Garden Beds 

7. Bed Preparation & Adding Organic Matter 

8. Earning Money through Agriculture & Promoting Health 

9. Harvesting Fruits and Vegetables for Local and Export Markets 

10. Treatment of Produce for Local and Overseas Markets 

11. A Systems Approach to Exporting Fruits and Vegetables 

In addition, the program teaches young people how to create sustainable gardens, ensuring access to fresh, healthy food. Through hands-on learning, participants can grow their own gardens at home, providing nutritious food for their families. 

Youth who complete the program also earn a certificate. This certification not only represents their accomplishment but also helps them apply for seasonal work opportunities in the agricultural sector. 

"Since I have been passionate about gardening since I was 10 years old, joining this program feels like a step towards achieving my goal of becoming a gardener. I am very proud and happy to be part of this program," says one of the gardening students. 

The gardening training is more than just about growing food—it's about fostering healthy, sustainable lifestyles and providing a brighter future for Kiribati's youth. 

Check out some amazing photos of our youth in action during the gardening program!