Like many of the refugees in the camp, Penda fled the intense violence in her home country, Democratic Republic of Congo. She shared with us that about seven years ago, her home in the DRC was invaded by bandits who demanded to see her husband. When they realized her husband was not home, they took her instead. She explained, “When we reached the camp, they told me, ‘We don’t want this woman, we wanted the man’ and released me. When I returned home, my husband had already left for Tanzania so I joined the convoy and departed.”
Since then, Penda, her nine children and her husband have lived in the Nyarugusu refugee camp, which is home to 136,478 refugees. When they first arrived, Penda recounted that life was not easy and one of their biggest struggles was having enough food to feed their family.
Since joining the program, Penda has grown a beautiful garden in her home which goes beyond feeding her family. With the seeds the garden produces, Penda is able to make an additional income and help her neighbors grow their own food. She also has enjoyed the environmental conservation training she has received in the program where she learns useful skills like how to create natural pesticides and methods for water conservation.
I pledge to donate seeds in the near future.
Amaranth:
Amaranth leaves are a rich source of protein, calcium, iron, and magnesium. They provide essential amino acids and antioxidants, supporting bone health, immune function, and muscle strength.
Nightshade:
Nightshade vegetables, including tomatoes and eggplants, offer antioxidants like lycopene and vitamins A and C. These nutrients promote heart health, vision, and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Spiderplant:
Spiderplant, also known as African cabbage, is packed with vitamin C and calcium. It boosts immune function, promotes healthy bones, and aids in collagen production for skin health.
Pulse:
Pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas, are high in protein, fiber, and iron. They support digestion, muscle repair, and sustained energy while stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Cowpea:
Cowpeas, commonly called black-eyed peas, are rich in protein, folate, and potassium. They promote heart health, support muscle growth, and aid in fetal development during pregnancy.
Green Gram:
Green gram (mung beans) is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It enhances digestion, improves skin health, and helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Amaranth:
Amaranth leaves are a rich source of protein, calcium, iron, and magnesium. They provide essential amino acids and antioxidants, supporting bone health, immune function, and muscle strength.
Nightshade:
Nightshade vegetables, including tomatoes and eggplants, offer antioxidants like lycopene and vitamins A and C. These nutrients promote heart health, vision, and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Spiderplant:
Spiderplant, also known as African cabbage, is packed with vitamin C and calcium. It boosts immune function, promotes healthy bones, and aids in collagen production for skin health.
Pulse:
Pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas, are high in protein, fiber, and iron. They support digestion, muscle repair, and sustained energy while stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Cowpea:
Cowpeas, commonly called black-eyed peas, are rich in protein, folate, and potassium. They promote heart health, support muscle growth, and aid in fetal development during pregnancy.
Green Gram:
Green gram (mung beans) is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It enhances digestion, improves skin health, and helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
When Penda was invited to join CWS’ Vegetation Program, her husband was hesitant. “He told me, ‘Everything you want to farm is available in the market.’” When he saw how fruitful the garden was, however, Penda’s husband changed his mind. “Now, he supports me and we are working together. Even my children don’t want the vegetables from the market, they just want the ones from the garden.”