Shovels, Seeds, and Soil for Selvin
Donation protected
This campaign exists as an effort to raise money for Selvin to move ahead with his community garden project in Forest Home, Belize.
As Audrey Hepburn said, "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."
Reading this quote not only reminded me of the fact that I have actually never seen Breakfast at Tiffany's but also of my friend Selvin's unshakable belief in a better future.
I remember vividly sowing out okra seeds under the hot Belizean sun - 5 in every hole - and while I was concentrating on simply surviving, Selvin's head popped up and with the biggest smile on his face he announced "the best is yet to come.”
What meant lunch and a bath in the river to me meant a sustainable and healthy future for all humankind to him.
We bonded during the annual Permaculture Design Course at the Maya Mountain Research Farm, grew closer when the pandemic hit and we were isolated in the bush, and ultimately became good friends as we planted in his backyard.
Selvin taught me how to properly open a coconut with a machete, how to make a trellis out of bamboo, and, put bluntly, how to not look like an idiot in the jungle. (The latter we will put down as 50% achieved.)
From the moment I met him, his vision and intentions were clear; to build a garden for his village provide healthy and delicious vegetables, get people involved, and spread the positive message of a sustainable lifestyle through the practice of permaculture.
Should you be unfamiliar with Permaculture, you will find a good explanation of the concept here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXTXNSWOAqQ )
His enthusiasm when he spoke was invigorating and his thirst for action inspiring. I knew immediately that this is a man on a mission. Earth laughs in flowers and Selvin laughs with the flowers.
As soon as land became available, Selvin did not hesitate, grabbed his machete, and started preparing the land for the first seedlings. Obstacles like the global pandemic or the lack of support from the local government did not keep him down and thanks to his passionate drive, we see the first seedlings shoot up right now.
As we all know, gardens are not made by sitting in the shade. Hard work is of the essence - but equipped with only one machete even the most assiduous farmer is limited. With your help, Selvin will be able to purchase proper garden tools, soil, and seeds for even greater output.
For example, as everything is sprouting wildly, buying a weedwhacker will help tremendously, allowing Selvin to spend more time on sowing and maintenance and less time pulling out unruly weeds with his bare hands.
As the sun is strong throughout the day, Selvin needs to protect the seedlings with shade-cloth. Donations will help him invest in that.
Ultimately more resources would mean the opportunity to farm a bigger area and do so more efficiently. with the right tools and equipment.
Gardens dream big dreams and so do we. Every donation supports Selvin in realizing his vision of growing the project, not only by supplying healthy vegetables but by sowing the seed for a conscious lifestyle in Forest Home.
I am deeply grateful for help and assistance in any way. Whether it is by chipping in money, by sharing this page, or by simply expressing words of encouragement.
Thank you for taking the time to read this piece.
Should any questions arise, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
May you be blessed, healthy, and content.
And may we as a human family walk gently upon this earth.
As Audrey Hepburn said, "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."
Reading this quote not only reminded me of the fact that I have actually never seen Breakfast at Tiffany's but also of my friend Selvin's unshakable belief in a better future.
I remember vividly sowing out okra seeds under the hot Belizean sun - 5 in every hole - and while I was concentrating on simply surviving, Selvin's head popped up and with the biggest smile on his face he announced "the best is yet to come.”
What meant lunch and a bath in the river to me meant a sustainable and healthy future for all humankind to him.
We bonded during the annual Permaculture Design Course at the Maya Mountain Research Farm, grew closer when the pandemic hit and we were isolated in the bush, and ultimately became good friends as we planted in his backyard.
Selvin taught me how to properly open a coconut with a machete, how to make a trellis out of bamboo, and, put bluntly, how to not look like an idiot in the jungle. (The latter we will put down as 50% achieved.)
From the moment I met him, his vision and intentions were clear; to build a garden for his village provide healthy and delicious vegetables, get people involved, and spread the positive message of a sustainable lifestyle through the practice of permaculture.
Should you be unfamiliar with Permaculture, you will find a good explanation of the concept here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXTXNSWOAqQ )
His enthusiasm when he spoke was invigorating and his thirst for action inspiring. I knew immediately that this is a man on a mission. Earth laughs in flowers and Selvin laughs with the flowers.
As soon as land became available, Selvin did not hesitate, grabbed his machete, and started preparing the land for the first seedlings. Obstacles like the global pandemic or the lack of support from the local government did not keep him down and thanks to his passionate drive, we see the first seedlings shoot up right now.
As we all know, gardens are not made by sitting in the shade. Hard work is of the essence - but equipped with only one machete even the most assiduous farmer is limited. With your help, Selvin will be able to purchase proper garden tools, soil, and seeds for even greater output.
For example, as everything is sprouting wildly, buying a weedwhacker will help tremendously, allowing Selvin to spend more time on sowing and maintenance and less time pulling out unruly weeds with his bare hands.
As the sun is strong throughout the day, Selvin needs to protect the seedlings with shade-cloth. Donations will help him invest in that.
Ultimately more resources would mean the opportunity to farm a bigger area and do so more efficiently. with the right tools and equipment.
Gardens dream big dreams and so do we. Every donation supports Selvin in realizing his vision of growing the project, not only by supplying healthy vegetables but by sowing the seed for a conscious lifestyle in Forest Home.
I am deeply grateful for help and assistance in any way. Whether it is by chipping in money, by sharing this page, or by simply expressing words of encouragement.
Thank you for taking the time to read this piece.
Should any questions arise, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
May you be blessed, healthy, and content.
And may we as a human family walk gently upon this earth.
Organizer
Felix Gerk
Organizer
Malmö, Sweden
