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From Lowolabo, 11 Young People Choose Farming

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From Lowolabo, 11 Young People Choose Farming

11 young people in Lowolabo Village, Paga, Sikka, Flores, began their journey as young farmers through the Let’s Grow YBTS Batch 4 program. They chose to learn, try new things, and explore how farming could become part of their future.  Their journey was recently celebrated through the Let’s Grow YBTS Batch 4 Youth Graduation in Lowolabo Village, marking the completion of a year-long horticulture mentoring program with YBTS. 

A symbolic harvest marking the journey of learning and hands-on practice across four planting seasons with Let’s Grow.

 

 

Throughout the program, the young farmers did more than learn about crop cultivation. They worked directly in the fields, put what they learned into practice, recorded their results, and evaluated each planting season. Across three planting seasons, they faced different challenges, learned from their experiences, and looked for ways to improve their results in the next season. 

The results began to show. All 11 young farmers successfully completed the program, achieving 97% of their cultivation targets. Collectively, they also generated more than IDR 211 million in income over three planting seasons. Behind these numbers was a year of learning and hard work. There were days spent in the fields, decisions to be made, results that did not always meet expectations, and the determination to keep trying and improving. 

The graduation ceremony was also attended by the Regent of Sikka, who also serves as Chair of the TP PKK; the Head of the Food Crops and Horticulture Division of the Agriculture and Plantation Office; the Secretary of Paga Subdistrict; and the Head of Lowolabo Village. Their presence reflects the support for young people who have chosen to engage in agriculture and build their future in their own village. 

A moment of appreciation after completing the Let’s Grow YBTS Batch 4 program.

For these young farmers, graduation is not the end, but a new beginning. With three planting seasons of experience behind them, they now have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue learning, improving, and developing their own farming businesses. 

Congratulations to Adri, Agustinus, Arnold, Bernadeta, Fransiska, April, Maslina, Roslina, Ruth, Veronika, and Wilfridus. 

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