The 2013 Project

In January 2013, Ian & Paula did a quick evalutaion trip to Uganda to asses how the previous [project had survived and to set up the next project.
They were delighted to see that a core number of their students from their first project at Kasenji were still practising what they had learned, their families were better fed and they had cash from selling surplus crops. Most importantly 6 volunteered to be taught how to train others in permaculture. This means that the Paananens' skills are now being leveraged to extend the reach of the projects and ensure continuity
They were delighted to see that a core number of their students from their first project at Kasenji were still practising what they had learned, their families were better fed and they had cash from selling surplus crops. Most importantly 6 volunteered to be taught how to train others in permaculture. This means that the Paananens' skills are now being leveraged to extend the reach of the projects and ensure continuity
Ndazi and Kimi Islands - in desperate need

Ndazi and Kimi are islands on Lake Victoria. They share many of the same challenges that fishing communities face in the region - low fish stocks, poor nutrition, no cash, high HIV/AIDS rates and critically, no horticultural skills to grow their own food to replace the non-existent fish,
In addition to training a core group of people on the Island, this project will build upon the 2011 pilot by bringing permaculture to several communities as identified by IAVI and essentially ‘seeding’ local trainers through the process, making training and knowledge locally sustainable.
25 islanders, 15 from Kimi and 10 from Ndazi, have stepped forward and asked to be taught these life-giving techniques.
The 6 volunteer trainers from Kasenji will receive special "train the trainer" education to become competent in the delivery of sustainable small-holder farming methods using permaculture, build adult education facilitation skills and gain experience by performing the role of supporting trainers and translators. They will also participate in the basic training for the islanders, to gain practical experience, as well as add their own insight and local knowledge to up-skill Ian & Paula.
In addition the 2013 project will
Develop networks within/between trainers/practitioners
Develop locally appropriate training materials/manual
List demonstration gardens/people willing and available to share knowledge
Record problems and successes over time to account for diversity and climate change.
They plan to spend two months in the region.
A quick video of the 2013 project
Click here to view an 11 minute video about One Passion Fruit's 2103 project.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUkV00FAc6c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUkV00FAc6c
A Family affair

Apart from Paula & Ian's, education, development and horticulture skills, their teenage children Gabbie & Liam have contributed to the project and have accompanied them to Uganda.
Gabbie & Liam will continue with their formal home schooling, while participating in a life changing educational experience that no normal school curriculum would envisage.
But they have also contributed to the project in their own ways.
Gabbie is an illustrator, and has been using these skills to enhance the training material by increasing the use of illustrations of the techniques. This has improved the educational quality of the materials, especially for those trainees who are illiterate. She aslo raised funds for the project with an ice cream stall.
Gabbie & Liam will continue with their formal home schooling, while participating in a life changing educational experience that no normal school curriculum would envisage.
But they have also contributed to the project in their own ways.
Gabbie is an illustrator, and has been using these skills to enhance the training material by increasing the use of illustrations of the techniques. This has improved the educational quality of the materials, especially for those trainees who are illiterate. She aslo raised funds for the project with an ice cream stall.

Liam connected with local boys on his last trip, through a shared passion for soccer, which they play with balls made from tightly wound plastic bags.
Figuring he could improve things for them, Liam raised $500 from his soccer mates around Kincumber and persuaded Rebel Sports at Erina Fair to give him a special price for a selection of soccer balls. With a generous offer from Kincumber Lions Club to meet the airline's excess baggage costs, those balls are now in Uganda, where they will be put to good and enthusiastic use.
Figuring he could improve things for them, Liam raised $500 from his soccer mates around Kincumber and persuaded Rebel Sports at Erina Fair to give him a special price for a selection of soccer balls. With a generous offer from Kincumber Lions Club to meet the airline's excess baggage costs, those balls are now in Uganda, where they will be put to good and enthusiastic use.