Growing Vegetables in a Refugee Camp

: young refugee girl

: older and wiser refugee

THEME MUSIC.

: Conflict and drought have created millions of refugees throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Because of their desperate situation, we sometimes think that refugees are totally dependent on aid organizations. But refugees can and do take steps themselves to improve their own lives. Today we’re going to hear a story about a young refugee girl who learns that growing vegetables for her family is something she can do, even in a refugee camp.

We can all learn something from this story – even if we don’t live in a camp. Let’s listen in now…

END THEME MUSIC.

: Good morning, Monique. Did your family enjoy the tomatoes?

: Yes, thank you Mama Hamukiza. They were delicious.

: Did you hear that the people from the relief organization are coming here again next week with seeds and hoes for those who want them? You should start growing your own vegetables, like I do.

: I know, but there are too many things to do. I am still trying to get used to being the head of the family. It is so difficult, looking after my younger sister and brother. I miss my parents so much… (starts to sob)

: There, there, child. You are only fourteen years old! You have survived terrible events and you don’t know if your parents are still alive. You live here in this crowded refugee camp where you must protect yourself and your family all the time. Of course you find it all very difficult!

: (still sobbing) I don’t know what I would have done without your help, Mama.

: It gives me pleasure to help you, child. And there is more that I can do for you. I’ll get some of those vegetable seeds they’re distributing and we can plant them together.

: I don’t know much about growing vegetables. Don’t we need fertilizer to make the crops grow?

: We can get fertilizer – if we just keep our eyes open.

: We can?

: Yes, I make compost to use as fertilizer. I look around, all over the camp, and see what food scraps people are throwing out – things they don’t need.

: Do you mean banana skins, potato peels and other things that we throw away?

: Yes, the remains of plants, fruits and vegetables that will rot. You make a pile of all these things. And then you let it rot. Just like leaves from a tree rot when they are left on the ground.

: Hmmm….this is also a way of reducing garbage.

: Indeed it is. And sometimes when I look around, I find other things that people throw away that I can use. For example, I use old tin cans to plant seeds in.

: Maybe you can show me how to make compost, next time I pass by.

: Yes, I will tell you all my secrets about making compost in a refugee camp!

MUSIC TO END SCENE.

: As I said at the top of the program, you don’t have to be living in a refugee camp to learn something from this story. Is it possible that you could grow more food – maybe a few vegetable crops? Look around and see what resources are available. You might be surprised by what you find. Thanks for tuning in to our program today. I’m your host __________________.

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