For families in Sen Sok, their aquaponic journey always starts right in their backyard, at the Community First Campus. There, they are introduced to large-scale aquaponics, and volunteer their time to become eligible for a smaller unit for their home. The construction process then begins with the preparation of the tanks. After the greenhouse is built, the system is assembled and the fish is added. The family is is then ready to grow their new aquaponic farm into a successful small business!
X Slider Background Settings
recruiting families
on-campus training
preparing the tanks
building the greenhouse
making the growbeds
covering the greenhouse
adding the fish
getting things started
first harvest
All of this is possible, thanks to people like you
See Mrs. Teang Klueun's (first picture, far right) aquaponic journey from start to finish in this slideshow. She's a great community leader, and hosts the local community-based kindergarten program. This initiative of hers involves the preparation of a breakfast for 25 of her village's youngest and their mothers who are unable to provide their children with proper nutrition. Mrs. Klueun is 56 years old and cares for a family of eight. She is eager to grow bok choy and Chinese salad in her newly built system both for her community breakfast and her family.
Planting the seeds of change
While hardware, equipment and technology are important in any aquaponics endeavor, it is truly education that is the foundation of it all. Not only is a good understanding of live sciences is needed, it takes some business acumen to be truly successful at it.
This is why our educational program at the Sen Sok Campus has it all. From the basics of agriculture & plant sciences, to advanced aquaponic production systems, and a classroom environment to help develop the skills and knowledge base to make these things one's own.
Our family aquaponic startup program includes all the training necessary to get a mother started. But it is with our continuing education program and harvest support that they're able to once and for all derail the cycle of poverty that has plagued their lives for so long.
After a trainee spends time learning and working a few weeks at the Sen Sok farm school, they become eligible for their own systems, your monthly support provides them with the continuing education they need to move beyond subsistence.
Perpetual Abundance
This intermediary & advanced program brings the training of farmers to the next level by teaching them the techniques that will guarantee their system's perpetual abundance such as seed saving & fish breeding. This program is their gateway to generating income.
Small Businesses
Our most successful students eager to develop their farm can turn them into small businesses by growing speciality foods for specific markets. As part of this program, we introduce them to advanced techniques and unique crops, and the soft skills and literacy they need to thrive in their new entrepreneurial life.
Aquaponic Farmers' Network
Once enrolled in one of our continuing education program, families become part of the Community First Aquaponic Farmers' Network. This gives them access to alternative savings & lending through a self help group that is managed by the students.
X Slider Background Settings
a community savings group
shared harvests
collaborative framework
seed bank access
equity & ownership
access to unique crops
dedicated trainers
fish exchange program
harvest development & support
Families helping each other out to farm and eat better together
There's strength in numbers, and you too can gather your community to create a better tomorrow for the mothers of Sen Sok. Did you know that our supporters can fundraise & crowdfund a family system? Consider taking a page from the mothers' of Sen Sok's book and gather your online community to create change.