This is one of those times when there’s much fun news to share! Here are some highlights of what’s happening on the ground in Kantolomba.
Let’s start with the stoves. We found an alternative stove for community members to use that is more efficient and reduces the environmental impact. As with our roof-loan programs, we have launched a stove-loan program for the community. One of the first to sign up for a stove was a neighbor of a cooperative member, all of whom have this stove. The neighbor asked to try it out and was amazed at the results. It cooks much faster and she immediately signed up to get one. Others in the community have been stopping by to ask how the stoves work, and word is spreading!
Next up, working in the new garden. One of the first activities was planting pumpkin leaves, but this time they were 100% rain-fed and without fertilizer. The gardeners recently harvested the leaves and the team gathered to try them out, cooking them in peanut butter sauce. How was it? Theresa shared, “It was very exciting to eat something without fertilizer—it was great. Fertilizer makes them grow fast and big, but these pumpkin leaves were smaller, and a bit sweet. You could tell this is what we used to eat when my mom was around.”
And most exciting, our young women are stepping into new roles, supporting Theresa and the project—tracking daily activities, taking photos (see below), and learning to share updates from the ground. It’s been a joy to watch the women grow and contribute in meaningful ways.
Life is full in Kantolomba!
For more updates visit the News tab on the Africa Project website.
Gasshō,
Sreedevi
Joyce and Rechel, Theresa's assistants, who are
supporting the project
Our newest photographer, Joyce, took this photo of
six-year-olds Daniel, Purity, and Chanda, all students
in Memory's class. 
A community member prepares the land for planting
new veggies.
