Growing Gardens and Growing Community: EarlyBird256 Students Invited to Iowa State University’s School Garden in Kamuli

The Kamuli District in Uganda is home to a service learning program that connects Iowa State University (ISU) students with local elementary schools. The program, which is a collaboration between the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Program (CSRL), and Makerere University (MAK), aims to create school gardens that can provide nutritious food and environmental education for children.

In the summer of 2022, a group of ISU students traveled to Uganda and spent two weeks working on the garden project. They lived at the ISU facility in Kamuli and interacted with the local community. During July 2023, they organized a mini trade show where they showcased their work and invited the EarlyBird256 students to join them. The trade show was a fun and educational event that allowed the students to exchange knowledge and experiences. The EarlyBird256 students learned about different crops and animals, such as cacao, vegetables, chicken, pigs, and cows. They also visited the gardens and saw the progress made by the ISU students.

The service learning program is a valuable opportunity for both ISU and Ugandan students to learn from each other and make a positive impact on the world. The program fosters cross-cultural understanding, social responsibility, and environmental awareness. The program also helps the ISU students develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. The program is a rewarding and memorable experience for everyone involved.