Plant a hope 7.0 -phase 03
Planting Hope, Cultivating Change
Leo Club of University of Colombo took another meaningful step forward through 3rd phase of Project Plant a Hope 7.0 “Bloom of Hope”, conducted on 1st of May. This phase focused on spreading knowledge about organic composting and supporting self-employed individuals in agriculture.
We visited Wasana Compost Institute, located at Village Knowledge Center in Marawila, where we were warmly welcomed by Ms. W. Shrimali Wasana Fernando, an inspiring woman who runs her own small business making and selling organic compost. Certified and trusted by the community, she has built her business from the ground up and now shares her knowledge with others.
With the help of three resource persons, we held a workshop where participants learned how to make organic compost using the Thai “sandwich” method, a special layering technique done directly on land. Ms. Fernando explained how to get registered and approved by Department of Agriculture and the Govijana Seva Center in Kudawewa, and how important regular inspections and lab testing are to ensure quality.
The event was supported by Isuru Farmers’ Women’s Association, Marawila, whose members actively joined discussions. We talked about the current compost market, how to maintain compost properly, andeveryday challenges faced by farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.
As a way to give back and encourage self-employment, we provided fruit and vegetable crops to selected individuals from community, especially those running their own small businesses. This small gesture carried a big message: we believe in growing not just crops, but also opportunities and hope.
The “Bloom of Hope” phase made a lasting impact on Marawila community. By sharing sustainable agricultural knowledge and providing tools for self-employment, the project empowered individuals, especially women to take charge of their livelihoods. It encouraged eco-friendly practices, strengthened local agri-entrepreneurship, and built a network of support between farmers and youth leaders. Most importantly, it planted seeds of hope, resilience, and renewal that will continue to grow long after the project ends.
- By Leo Denethi Karunarathne -
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