More than one year ago, a teacher at the school, Samuel Sesay, approached us with the idea of a project. He had an agricultural interest and developed his understanding during his teacher training.

As agriculture forms part of the prescribed curriculum for senior pupils, he felt a practical idea could aid their understanding and furnish them with life skills.

We have lots of spare land on the site and initial costs would be low. He decided on pineapples as the initial crop and money was provided for tools, plants, and fertilizers. He also needed buckets to transport water.

Thankfully, we agreed, and we are now in the position of being able to report progress and success. Through his leadership, hard work and dedication the project has prospered, and what began as a garden area is now a small farm.

Pupils have responded admirably and have cleared areas of land, planted, weeded, irrigated and built fences to protect unwelcome guests with two legs or more.

As we come towards the end of the dry season, Samuel reports that over 240 pineapples are almost ready to harvest. He is also pleased with the progress made with the planting and growing of cassava.

Cassava is a major staple crop in many African countries. It has a tuberous root which is starchy and high in calories. It can be boiled, or roasted or ground into flour

Its leaves are a nutritious and versatile ingredient, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.