On 25-29 August 2008, Operation Blessing Thailand organized and sponsored a S.E.E.D. (Something to Eat Every Day) Project training course in Chiangmai, Thailand. This “hands on” course taught simple skills and natural technologies in gardening and agriculture.

Twenty-five people from Laos and Thailand came for the training, which was held on land at a children’s home supported by OB. The trainees learned about diversified organic backyard gardening, a technology that enables an average size family to produce all their daily nutritional needs for a whole year, using a small area of 200 square meters.

Training was also provided in Natural Farming techniques. This large scale farming system brings back the work of nature in the soil and environment through the use of micro-organisms and other elements essential for plant growth and development.

The S.E.E.D. Project training included lessons on:

• How to make seven beneficial micro-organisms
• Organic vegetable farming/gardening
• Soil composition and preparation
• Lot planning
• How to control pests and plant diseases
• Proper care and maintenance of the garden
• Raising odorless pigs
• Fish farming
• Animal feeds
• Building your own bio-sand water filter

One of the trainees, Pook, smiled as she reflected on the course, “I am so thankful to have undertaken this training. It was so much fun! As I learned by doing, I realized that anybody is able to apply these simple technologies with the little they may have in their own homes and backyards. I look forward to being able to train others in these skills so their lives and communities can become more fruitful.”

By the end of the week, the 25 students had created a garden for the children’s home that is complete with vegetables, fruit trees, compost baskets and even beautiful flowers. All participants hope to pass on what they have learned to those in need in their own communities.