Today's Marists V.6 Issue 1 FALL 2020

Farm tunnel model replicated at TRTC participant’s residence
In addition to the pandemic restrictions and the increasing
number of positive COVID-19 cases, most parts of Fiji were also
impacted by the Category 4 Cyclone “Harold” in April. During
that time the government deployed many services to the victims
of this natural disaster.
During the pandemic, our TRTC group, which consists of the
course staff members, carpentry and maintenance workers and
all other available hands, are all helping with the weeding and
harvesting of the young farmers’ taro (dalo) and kava (yaqona)
blocks. In order to prepare everyone for maintaining the young
farmers’ crops while they are keeping safe at home, we initiated
organized community training for all TRTC staff members and
families.
A positive outcome of the pandemic is that the gardening at
TRTC has provided food security as well as a short-term cash
crop to keep up with the center’s expenses, in a self-sustaining
way. From our perspective, COVID-19 has made us aware of the
need for short-term crops such as vegetables to realize a quick
return. During our regular discussions, innovative ideas have
been proposed such as the introduction of micro-hydroponic
gardening. A trial of this type of gardening was piloted by the
Lura Marist community and is attracting a lot of interest from
farmers who have smaller growing areas.
Another new farming technique implemented by the Lura
Marist community is the building of a farm tunnel house that
Food Development Unit selling locally sourced produce and goods
included raised growing beds. This type of gardening for offseason
vegetables provides a way for growers on smaller farms
to combat the rise of non-communicable diseases and safeguard
their families’ food security. These farming methods will help
farmers move away from reliance on commercial agricultural
methods. It also opens another door for food security and a way
to generate income for the TRTC and families. We believe that
the incorporation of these new farming techniques requires
both changes in thinking as well as attitudes towards farming.
Within the Tutu bubble, our newly established Food
Development Unit has been busy converting the locally sourced
breadfruit into breadfruit flour. The flour is then used to bake
bread that is sold to local families while in lockdown. The
resources available at TRTC enable us also to make jams and
other assorted spices.
We continue the mission of TRTC, “empowering people to
become more autonomous and to take charge of their lives in a
rapidly changing world.” The motto ‘act local and think global’
will revolutionize, we hope, the agriculture industry as our “new
normal.”
We Appreciate Your Donation!
We ask for your prayers for our international ministries
during these challenging times. If you are able to help
financially, please use the envelope in this magazine
to send your gift. Please check “Marist ministries and
outreach to those in need” on the inner flap of the
envelope. Thank you for your generosity and be assured
of our prayers!
Fall 2020 15