Project CLIMA in Beregadougou, Burkina Faso, is a successful agricultural training center of the De La Salle Christian Brothers for young families. The goal of the project is to train 24 families of farmers (with wives and children) how to farm productively, utilize the most modern techniques, and become financially self-sufficient. The program admits married couples between 22 and 35 years of age who have farms of their own and who wish to spend two years training of agricultural training at the CLIMA. This agricultural project is modeled on a successful TAMI Project in northern Togo. CLIMA involves 60 hectares of land on the main farm and 100 hectares at a satellite location 12 km away.
There are three workshops on the property: carpentry, mechanics, and clothing (sewing). The property also has a stable for 6 steer, a chicken coup, 2 classrooms, living space for teachers, a store room, and a garage for farm equipment. A former set of aquaculture ponds exist on the property and some of them are being used currently for rice production. Both men and women receive instruction in how to manage a farm.
CLIMA has recently been evauated by INADES, an African independent organization specializing in agricultural development which rated the program highly and complimented its efforts to provide agricultural capacity to the savannah region.
Because the families come with their children, there is need to have a child care center for the youngsters. Mothers assist with this and keep the kids busy inside with some instruction and outside playing on the grounds. At this point, there are 34 children on the grounds; only four go to school at the public school. Two full time child care women oversee this child care center.
Upon graduation, both the men and the women have the capacity to be self-sufficient and to provide knowledgeable assistance to other families in their local areas.
The CLIMA center is in need of funds to expand its programs to other capable young couples that would like to take advantage of the program. Your support for this program can be offered through the Donate Here button above.