In its efforts to continue promoting food security within the mine communities, Barrick Niugini Limited has introduced a new program aimed at developing an interest in agriculture amongst the younger population.
The project, called Agrikids, is coordinated by BNL’s Community Development section.
The Community Development section conducted training on compost with students from the Aumbi Elementary school last week, a pilot school for the program.
Compost training is an improved farming method which Pogera Joint Venture demonstrates to local communities within the valley to increase soil fertility for higher and quality food yields.
PJV Community Development Senior Officer, Peter Tumun, said agriculture is a sustainable venture and it is important that relevant agricultural skills are delivered to young children at an early age when they are active in learning.
Teacher in charge for Aumbi Elementary School, Mr. David Isara and the school chairman Pr. Wanpis Kawi were both grateful that PJV has taken the initiative to promote such vital skills to the younger population.
PJV will also assist Aumbi Elementary School with building materials (tarps and shade cloth) for a temporary nursery with blue drums, seedling trays and seeds to start off with.
The community Development team will make regular visits and provide technical advice and support as it moves to engage other elementary schools within the special mine lease communities.
