Our Story
2012
While teaching English as a volunteer in Usangule Village in 2012, Ali Arams immediately fell in love with her bright and motivated students. She also saw the way that hunger affected their opportunities and success. No one from Usangule Secondary had passed the national exam. This motivated her to begin exploring sustainable sources of food for her students.
After interviewing local leaders and farmers, she realized that maize was an abundant food source.
2013
The headmaster of Usangule Secondary School, Mr. Kunambi, organized a board of parents, teachers, and village officials to execute the project. Ali and the board worked for months to put structures in place to carry out the plan once funds were received.
2014
With donations, the maize milling business was launched and the first maize crop was cultivated at Mandachini Primary School farmland. The first porridge breakfasts were served at Mandachini Primary and Usangule Secondary Schools!
2015
A brick mill house was built at Usangule Secondary, which was a big upgrade from the temporary structure at Mandachini Primary School. This also made milling services more accessible to people who lived in villages farther from the village center.
2017
The maize farm was moved from Mandachini Primary to a larger plot. This allowed more maize to be grown and prevented farming activities from disrupting student learning.
District officials recognized the project for its successful impact on students.
2024
Ali attended the African Diaspora Investment Symposium with the African Diaspora Network, where the project gained invaluable partnerships and contacts. As the project became fiscally sponsored, Eric and Ali organized the next steps to ensure sustainability and expansion for the project.
