Bomalang’ombe Secondary School - 1st Visit

March 2, 2009
Village: Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Pastor: Michael Mkenywa - Headmaster
Companion: Trinity, Stillwater
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: Teachers

Ibrahim, Godwin, Alfred and I left at 7:00 AM for Bomalang’ombe. It took about 3 hours to get there. Our first stop was the secondary school. Even though they had an “unofficial” plot in 2008, they will be considered as part of the 2009 group. The headmaster, Pastor Michael Mkinywa, was not there, but we went through the material with a few of the teachers. Lugene Gilbert the Self Reliance Teacher seemed to be in charge of this project.

Shortly after we got there it started to rain, so we had to walk to the plot under umbrellas to take the soil samples. The corn that had been planted in 2008 looked pretty good, although the plants were spaced too far apart. The second application of fertilizer to the corn had been made. They had not planted the beans yet, and were waiting until later in March, which is common for that area.

We reviewed the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events

Driving to town from the secondary school was the first time I’ve seen where one had to use four wheel drive to do downhill. There are some steep hills on the edge of steep hills that require careful manipulation.

Photo links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035756445/detail/