Grow UP Internship Through Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Region 10 - LFU Guyana Inc

Interns at the Seedling Shade House  (Photo Credit - LFU Inc)

For the past 25 years, Linden Fund USA has been a driving force in community development, focusing on education, training, and economic empowerment. Established as a not-for-profit organisation in the U.S. in 1999, LFU extended its reach with LFU Guyana Inc., a locally registered charity in 2018. Through this entity, LFU continues to spearhead transformative, multi-year educational initiatives, positively impacting youths in Region 10 and beyond.

Empowering the Next Generation through Agriculture

Recognising the need to merge education with practical application, LFU Guyana Inc. launched a pioneering Summer Agricultural Internship Programme in 2021.

This initiative, designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world farming, connects tertiary-level students from the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture with local farmers in Region 10. The programme fosters hands-on learning, cultivates agricultural innovation, and contributes to regional food security.

With its inaugural cycle in 2022 funded by a U.S.-based organisation, the 2023 edition gained vital support from the SGP, securing USD 15,721 (approximately GYD 3.14 million). Led by Ms. Kadifa Greene-Marshall under the theme "Promoting Food Security in Region 10," the programme saw 10 students working alongside five local farmers, acquiring crucial farm experience while enhancing crop production methods. LFU Guyana Inc. provided matching funds, elevating the total project budget to USD 33,000 (approximately GYD 6.6 million).

A landmark achievement of the initiative was the construction of a 20 ft x 20 ft Seedling House, designed to supply high-quality, low-cost seedlings to the community. To further empower local farmers, a Shade House Booklet was published, equipping them with the knowledge to construct climate-resilient growing spaces. The Seedling House itself was constructed by interns from the Linden Technical Institute under the guidance of a local contractor, exemplifying community-driven progress.

Secondary School Students Visiting Seedling House (Photo Credit - LFU Inc)

Their efforts resulted in 25 trays of seedlings, including passion fruit, bora, ochro, pepper, and tomato, being cultivated. Some seedlings were donated, while others were sold at local market day events, raising GYD 5,700 to reinvest in the project. Additionally, the 2024 Agricultural Internship Programme benefited from these seedlings, further supporting local farms and reinforcing the interconnectedness of the initiative.

Integrating Agricultural Education with Sustainable Farming

The Seedling House will continue to be a cornerstone of future agricultural internships, offering interns a structured environment to learn about:

• Seedling cultivation techniques

• Sustainable farming practices

• Agribusiness principles

• Market distribution strategies

By fostering these skills, the programme not only enhances participants’ understanding of sustainable agriculture but also strengthens food security and economic resilience in the region. Revenue generated from seedling sales will be reinvested to expand production capacity, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability and long-term impact.

A Lasting Footprint: Community Recognition & Expansion

SGP’s contribution to LFU’s agricultural initiative has left a permanent footprint within the community. A Seedling House Brochure was created to increase awareness and recruit volunteers, with the Regional Education Officer of Region 10 approving secondary school students’ participation in a structured six-hour weekly volunteer programme.

Additionally, SGP’s support is visibly acknowledged through a signboard at the entrance of LFU’s property in Mackenzie, Linden, a lasting testament to the partnership’s role in driving sustainable agricultural development in Region 10.

Woman Kitchen Gardeners at the Seedling Shade House (Photo Credit - LFU Inc)

Looking Ahead

LFU Guyana Inc. remains steadfast in its mission to empower youth, strengthen communities, and enhance agricultural sustainability. With continued support from partners like SGP, the Seedling House initiative will serve as a beacon of progress, demonstrating how strategic investments in agriculture can uplift communities, inspire future generations, and fortify food security for years to come.