501c3 Status Obtained
GTGR’s 501c3 status is officially written in stone and back-dated to the end of 2021.
Women’s 2nd Planting
The women planted groundnuts, maize, and cucumbers on the 1.5-acre plot of land leased to GTGR from the RHCI. Not just that, but they planted on their own 1-acre plot of land as well!
Women’s 1st Harvest
The FBO women are learning well and working seamlessly together on the RHCI’s leased land. They are surprised and excited by the large quantity of groundnuts and maize harvested.
The Website Is Up
After two months of working on the website and filling it with detailed blogs on current and past projects, it is published!
GTGR Promises Sembehun Tabema a New School
Upon a visit to Sembehun Tabema, the GTGR board learns that the Ministry of Agriculture has taken over the school building, leaving all of the children to resume their studies in the bush. Due to these unsuitable conditions and GTGR's special ties to the community, a new school building was promised.
GTGR Buys Land
GTGR purchases two acres of land adjacent to the RHCI’s farm, which is near the Tikonko junction. This land was bought for two reasons: location within the Bo District and soil quality.
32 Women Start Class
Edmond starts teaching 32 farm-based-organization (FBO) women practical skills on RHCI's 1.5-acre farm being leased to GTGR. The board members help plant groundnuts and maize, marking the start of GTGR's first season training women.
The Board Meets Tikonko
The board members meet the entire community of Tikonko for the first time! Now because of the church renovations and the school supplies for the 29 children, everyone bonds in their excitement and hope for the future.
GTGR Board Members’ First Trip
On May 9th, Kathryn Wold, the Public Relations Manager, Paige Sullivan, the Program Director, Jesse Pyrah, Edward Berthold, and Calvin Dauner arrive in Sierra Leone to have a productive three weeks of work.
Church Completion
The $850 has been raised and more importantly, the renovations are complete! The renovations consisted of retiling the floor, painting the walls, repairing the walkway, and setting up new decorations! The village is now full of joy and appreciation - leading to further trust being placed in GTGR's long-term projects.
Introducing Edmond
Edmond Jumu is hired as the field manager for GTGR this month. He is working on graduating from Njala University with a major in Agriculture and a minor in Geography. His studies, practical knowledge from his garden, and experience teaching at the FAWE school made him the ideal candidate.
Community Enrichment Continues
GTGR sets out to raise $850 to remodel the New Apostolic Church in Tikonko. There are no lights, no electricity, and a broken-up cement floor covered with tattered wallpaper to mask the reparations needed.
Hit the Ground Running
By the end of the month, school supplies are sent to 29 children allowing them to attend school when they wouldn't otherwise.
Legalization
On December 16th, GTGR receives a Certificate of Registration from the state of Utah.
The Idea Becomes a Draft
Calvin Dauner and Edward Berthold, the Vice President, both complete the first draft of the logo, mission, vision, and values. Growing the Grassroots (GTGR) has a central focus now, which is providing comprehensive, hands-on education to initiate sustainable development from the grassroots level.
5x The Local Average
On May 4th, Calvin and employees at the RHCI harvest groundnuts. With Norman Borlaug’s techniques, they yield 1284 kg/acre, which is ~5x the local average of 250-300 kg/acre. He leaves Sierra Leone on May 16th, knowing that these techniques have proved highly effective, with more improvements to come.
The Start of Agriculture Education
On March 23rd, Calvin runs his first agriculture class for youth with his agriculture packet.
Hello Sembehun Tabema
On March 6th, Calvin visits Sembehun Tabema, the most remote village he has ever been to. The community speaks of the false promises and crippling hardships they faced, leading to hope being lost. Calvin notes everything.
Calvin Arrives
Calvin Dauner, the President, arrives in Sierra Leone to further the agriculture program at the Rural Healthcare Initiative (RHCI). Simultaneously, he aims to connect with community members in Tikonko along with surrounding villages to truly understand their needs.
The 2-Year Mission Comes to an End
Jesse leaves Sierra Leone inspired by everyone he met, forever holding a special place in his heart. His two years in Sierra Leone taught him about the culture, history, and how to speak Krio, a prevalent language in Salone.