JAMAICA here we come!

As Spring Break approaches here at Cal Poly, the Alternative Breaks program is gearing up for our first ever international service trip! We are taking a group of 10, mostly the Student Community Services staff, to Jamaica to test the waters in a small fishing village called Treasure Beach. We are volunteering with the organization VIJON (Volunteer in Jamaica Opportunity Network) and will be assisting them in their organic permaculture garden. They have many hopes for the future of this garden, and we are excited to assist them in reaching these goals.

Stephanie Genus, of VIJON, expressed the many different aspirations they have for the garden:

The eventual goal of the farm is to offer guided tours to community members, school groups and interested visitors. Although the older generation of farmers didn’t use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, now it is the norm and many think the only way to produce food. We want to show successful cultivation the all natural organic way, without any use of chemicals.

The garden is still in its infancy, Cal Poly students will be dedicating their time to bringing this project to fruition. The Cal Poly volunteers will be weeding, planting, and doing whatever else is needed on the farm; this also includes reconstructing a wattle hut that was destroyed during hurricane Dean. The hut will not only offer shade for workers in the day, but have educational posters on the wall explaining various aspects of permaculture and organic farming.

Also, there is no use of permaculture in a broad sense in Jamaica, which would be so invaluable to the island if it took hold. As for serving the community with food, as of now it serves only those who work at the garden. Currently we are piloting a fund raising program in conjunction with TIFA for villa guests to pre-order food baskets for their arrival which will be supplemented from the VIJON garden when need be.

With that said, it makes perfect sense for Cal Poly to take on this project. Our campus has a very strong Agricultural presence, and many of our volunteers are actively involved with the CP Organic Farm and know a lot about permaculture. This project also fits the strong theme of sustainability that has swept over the campus this past year, and is taking the nation by storm.

Stay tuned for updates, VIJON service trip dates are March 24th-March 31st.