My time as a corps member at Fuente Farm Limited, through the Learn, Work, and Earn Programme, was an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. It equipped me with hands-on skills in agriculture, management, and communication while immersing me in an environment where learning and growth were paramount. The combination of world-class facilities and knowledgeable instructors made Fuente Farm the ideal place for both personal and professional development. Initially, I struggled to find my footing, especially when balancing the farm activities with my digital skills. However, over time, I developed the ability to multitask effectively and manage both responsibilities with ease.
Throughout my stay, I was actively involved in diverse crop production tasks, cultivating a range of crops including cucumbers, habaneros, and predominantly bell peppers. Notably, I successfully recovered a bell pepper kit that had been affected by pests, attributing this achievement to my diligence, attention to detail, and hard work. I gained practical exposure to every step of the agricultural value chain. As the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, rightly says, “You need to grow what you eat.” This became a personal mantra, as the experience taught me not only about farming but also about the importance of sustainable practices.
I had the privilege of being mentored by the esteemed Mr. Christian Onyeka, whose expert guidance, coupled with insightful feedback from peers, sparked transformative growth in my business acumen and fueled innovative thinking. Furthermore, I benefited from the visionary leadership of Mr. Clifford, whose expertise expanded my perspective, uncovering novel opportunities and enriching my understanding of the industry. Through collaborative endeavors with my colleagues, we cultivated a vibrant, supportive ecosystem that acknowledged individual achievements and tackled challenges collectively, thereby amplifying my confidence and propelling my professional advancement.
In conclusion, my service year at Fuente Farm not only honed my agricultural expertise but also imparted invaluable life lessons that will continue to guide me in both my personal and professional endeavors. The experience was priceless, and I sincerely hope that more young people have the opportunity to take part in such transformative initiatives. I look forward to seeing the continued success of this programme.