Makarios’ agricultural development program is located in San José Adentro, outside of Santiago.  In January of 2007, we implemented a vocational training program where students learn farming techniques, composting, sustainable agricultural development, and business skills. As part of their training, students plant and harvest crops that will be sold at reduced prices in the bateyes and neighboring poor community.  After completion of the multi-year vocational training program, participants will oversee their own small plot of land, on which they can continue to grow food for their families and to sell to villagers. In addition to Makarios’ vocational education, students in our elementary education programs will have the privilege of taking field trips to the farm and learning about plants and farming.

The goals of Makarios’ farm project are many. Education is a primary focus, and students of all ages will gain increased agricultural awareness and business skills. The vocational training will help participants feed their families and find employment outside of the sugar cane fields. The project encourages independence, ownership, and long-term agricultural planning. Because of their immediate hunger, poor Haitians and Dominicans often hesitate to plant crops that take a long time to produce food. They prefer to focus on plants that grow food they can eat in a few months instead of a few years. In our agricultural program, we emphasize long-term, sustainable development efforts that will offer sustenance for years to come. Additionally, because batey residents will be able to purchase food from our farm at cost, the farm project serves to reduce hunger in the bateyes. Families can purchase more food at a lower cost, and the money they save can potentially be used for healthcare and education.