27 participants trained in soil care, seed planting, and organic pest control through Skills Partnership program

People with special needs on Mota Island have learned how to grow their own food through backyard gardening.

The training was led by Gordon Haines Garai, owner and manager of Ta Vai Peri-Urban Backyard Gardening, who is also a coach under the Skills Partnership program. The training took place last week and included 27 participants with special needs.

Mr. Garai said the training helped the group learn how to use small spaces to grow food like cabbage. They learned to make seabeds, vertical gardens, and use simple materials to plant at home instead of going to the shop.

“We taught them how to make good soil, how to transplant seeds, and how to manage their small gardens using things already around their homes,” he said.

They also learned how to protect their vegetables from pests using organic pesticide and how to keep their gardens clean and healthy.

Feedback from the participants was positive, with many happy to start their own gardens next to their homes, even in small areas.

The training was organized by Skills Partnership through the disability desk in Torba Province.

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