Katana children's second harvest season

Water spinach was harvested last year but it doesn't mean that children of Katana will stop cultivating their garden.

The children who joined the Child Group assisted by Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) in North Halmahera usually meet every Thursday. During the meeting, they cultivate their mini garden and re-plant it with leafy vegetables such as leeks and water spinach.

Weeks later, the children of Katana are ready to have their second harvest. They share the vegetables among themselves. Although it's just leek and water spinach, the children feel thankful because vegetables are still difficult to get in Katana. Previously their parents needed to buy vegetables in Tobelo city which is one kilometer away from Katana.

Sintia, 12, a member of Child Group who also cultivates the garden feels happy because her family can eat vegetables again.

"I bring water spinach and leeks to my home that my family could cook and eat. My parents are happy with these vegetables," said Sintia.

The children of Katana also sell the surplus vegetable harvest. The sales revenue is used to repair the building of Posyandu-Integrated Health Post- where they gather every Thursday for Child Group.

At first, it was impossible to repair the building using their own money. However their enthusiasm encouraged local government to take action. The government agreed to fully repair the building. Now, the Katana children study in a proper building, including a new floor.

Beyond growing water spinach and leek, the children of Katana have learned about something new - cooperation, hard work.

*Written by Hestin Klaas, Community Development Coordinator, Wahana Visi Indonesia at North Halmahera operational office