‘Taking family from subsistence to success’ - Clarendon farmers go beyond the field

Tuesday morning at May Pen Baptist Church in Clarendon, 90 farmers graduated from a special initiative powered by Family Life Equipping Network International Limited.

The six-week programme which was done under the theme 'Taking Families from Subsistence to Success' saw farmers being taught how to deal with conflicts, anger management, being good financial stewards, and the effects from the use and misuse of sex.

In an interview with Rural Xpress, Joseph and Alicia Mulaa, directors of Family Life Equipping Network, said the organisation started three years ago with the sole purpose of making a difference in the lives of people and the community.

"Having worked in Jamaica for five years interacting with community members, we saw that we can make a difference," shared the couple who hail from Kenya.

EDUCATING FARMERS

The Mulaas said they saw the need to educate farmers to improve the quality of their lives so they can better serve the communities.

The organisation, based in Mandeville, has been carrying out similar programmes across the island, so far impacting almost 3,000 lives in the three years it has been up and running.

During the six-weeks of training which was sponsored by Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies & Hi-Pro, and saw the involvement of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), lessons were driven home through role plays, group discussions and lectures.

The Bible-based relationship life skills course was a hit with students. Selected ones gave testimonial on how their lives were dramatically changed as a result.

"In the six weeks, I have been here, I have learnt so much. I like to chat back and if you tell mi sey mi yeye red, mi ago tell yuh say yuh eye black," said graduant Delsi Ricketts to much laughter.

Highlighting the impact of the lessons on her life she urged all to remember that "fire can't out fire".

For community pastor Elvis Burnett, who took the course, he said although he is now pursuing his masters, he was brought down to earth as he learnt humility.

"I am trained to speak, I am not dunce. I am bright in the Word. But sometimes us pastors need to be humble and come down to the people level," he said, sharing that he has now become a better grassroots preacher.

The graduates have now been charged to take the lessons they have been taught to cell groups in their communities, to make a difference in their families and to better their businesses.