What a remarkable year it has been! Partnering with the wonderful Mlango Farm since February 2023 has allowed us to host over 10 successful workshops since with more than 200 participants joining us for courses like Intro to Gardening & Permaculture and Water Harvesting. These sessions have brought together people from diverse backgrounds, gardeners, business owners, pastoralists, educators, doctors, policymakers, diplomats, and individuals from informal settlements, all united by a shared desire to create impact and embark on meaningful, regenerative work.
These courses have inspired participants to improve their existing spaces or start their own gardens/ farms, sparking the formation of small community groups to stay connected, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. The serene beauty of Mlango Farm has been a perfect backdrop, offering a natural, organic space for learning and escape. It’s been heartwarming to hear participants wish the courses lasted longer, feedback that motivates us to keep growing!! Woo!
We’ve welcomed participants from as far as Kericho, Western Kenya, Nanyuki, Mombasa, and Marsabit, underscoring the dedication and commitment people are willing to make for a two-day transformative experience with us. We are immensely grateful to Mlango Farm for providing such a nurturing space for these impactful sessions.
Transforming Landscapes, Transforming Lives
This year, we’ve also been busy with a mix of follow-ups and new projects, focusing on establishing kitchen gardens and regenerative landscapes. We’ve witnessed incredible transformations in the environments we’ve worked on, from soil restoration to thriving gardens.
Our work doesn’t stop at landscapes, it extends to people. Gardeners, staff, and enthusiasts have undergone meaningful personal transformations, embracing sustainable practices and championing regenerative change. Through long-term collaborations with clients, we’ve invested in developing resilient, living soils, showing how they contribute to landscapes that last, not just in beauty but in function.
Empowering Informal Settlements
Our partnerships with groups like Mathare Green Park and the Wajukuu Group in Mukuru have been some of the year’s most rewarding experiences.
After our initial training with the Mathare Group in 2022, they’ve continued applying their skills to build a productive site. With support from the National Horticultural Society (NHS), International School of Kenya (ISK), and a generous crowdfunding donation last Christmas, we provided three scholarships for men from the group to attend a course at Mlango Farm. This opportunity helped them build confidence, integrate with other participants, and bring back valuable strategies to their community.
Their success has inspired others. A group from Mukuru, introduced to us through our Intro course participant, has now started their own kitchen garden within their own settlement in a truly unique way! Two individuals from Mukuru were also awarded scholarships to attend our course, further strengthening their efforts. These partnerships demonstrate the ripple effect of empowerment through knowledge and training.
However, setbacks are part of the journey. The Mathare Group’s site was affected by a devastating fire, displacing people who sought refuge on their land. In response, we worked with the group to identify a new site, where we plan to establish a secured farm with live fencing, water harvesting systems, and new kitchen gardens. This collaboration, supported by NHS and ISK, reflects the resilience and community spirit at the heart of our work.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we reflect on this incredible year, we’re filled with gratitude for the communities, partners, and participants who have made it possible. We’re excited to embark on new projects, consultancies, and partnerships in the coming year, continuing to foster regenerative models that inspire and empower.
To our amazing team, your dedication and passion are the driving force behind everything we achieve. Thank you for making a difference and inspiring others to join this vital movement with us.
As we wind down for the holiday season, we look forward to rest, rejuvenation, and returning refreshed to tackle 2025 with renewed energy and purpose.
Thank you for trusting us, joining our courses, and supporting our mission. Together, let’s continue to nurture a brighter, regenerative future.
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, family, love, and good health.
With immense gratitude,
Sheena Shah-Reschke
Director, Harvesting For Good East Africa
OUR NEXT INTRO TO GARDENING & PERMACULTURE COURSE BEGINS FEBRUARY 5TH & 6TH AT MLANGO FARM
SEE ALL DETAILS HERE- https://www.harvestingforgoodea.org/post/intro-to-gardening-permaculture-course-feb-5th-6th-2025
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