Gita sarki’s Story:
A Journey of Hope and Transformation with VIN
Namaste!
I am Gita Sarki, a farmer from Sarkigaun Nishanke, a small village in Siddhicharan Municipality, Thulachhap, Okhaldhunga. I want to share my story of hope, change, and growth. Like many in my community, my life was tough before Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) arrived. Today, I am proud of the fantastic transformation that VIN has brought to our farming practices, water management, and overall way of life.
The Struggles We Faced
When VIN first came to our community, we were still determining what to expect. We had endured years of struggle—our farms were dry, and growing anything was a real challenge. The soil was dried, and our lands, once fertile, could not sustain crops. We lacked water for basic needs. I remember spending hours each day gathering water just for drinking. We had to buy everything from the market for our vegetables, which was often expensive.
Before VIN’s help, farming was not just difficult—it felt hopeless. We didn’t have the knowledge or resources to improve our situation, and despite our hard work, we couldn’t produce enough to feed our families, especially in the Winter. But things started to change when VIN stepped in.
The Turning Point: Water Tanks and Hope
When VIN decided to help us construct a water tank, everything changed. This tank was not just a tank of water but a lifeline. We no longer had to spend hours fetching water, and our farms could finally receive the irrigation they desperately needed. For the first time, we saw the promise of growing our vegetables again—fresh garlic, tomatoes, onions, coriander leaves, and greens.
This small yet powerful intervention marked the beginning of a new chapter. It gave us food security and the ability to feed our families without relying on the market. This was the turning point in our lives. We were no longer dependent on external sources, which gave us a sense of independence and pride.
Learning Sustainable Farming: A Game Changer
My journey with VIN didn’t stop at water tanks. Through its permaculture training programs, VIN introduced us to sustainable farming, which was my real game-changer. I had never heard of permaculture before, but once I learned about it, it completely changed how I saw farming.
Before permaculture, we relied heavily on traditional farming methods. We used many chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which harmed the soil. However, after attending the training, I realized that sustainable farming, especially organic farming practices, was the way forward. The knowledge I gained empowered me to farm in harmony with nature without harming the environment.
How Permaculture Farming Changed My Farm
Through permaculture farming, I learned how to make my soil healthy again. We dug garden beds one foot deep and one meter wide, filling them with green leaves, branches, compost, and soil—this improved soil fertility and retained moisture, allowing the crops to thrive even in dry conditions. Water management became more efficient, and we could irrigate our kitchen gardens without wasting precious water.
The beauty of permaculture is that it respects the earth. We learned how to grow vegetables without relying on harmful chemical fertilizers. Instead, we use organic methods that are good for the land, us, and the future. Today, our farm is not only more productive but also much healthier.
Beyond Farming: VIN’s Impact on Our Community
VIN didn’t just stop at farming. They supported us in many other ways. Their agricultural training programs helped us improve our farming techniques. But they also supported our community in ways I never imagined. VIN offered children scholarships, and they provided computer training to help us stay connected with the world. They even guided us on child protection programs, ensuring our children were safe and had the needed opportunities.
Working together as a community, we shared resources and supported each other. We worked on building toilets, constructing water tanks, and expanding our permaculture systems. Through VIN’s help, we have learned how to collaborate and strengthen our community.
Looking Forward: Sustainable Farming for the Future
With VIN’s continued support, our community can achieve proper food security in Nepal. We are no longer dependent on the market to feed our families. We now grow enough food to sustain ourselves and future generations. Over the next few years, we are working hard to ensure that our farming is sustainable today and will remain sustainable for many years.
We dream of a future where our children can grow up in a community that values environmental conservation, and we can continue to practice sustainable farming techniques for Nepalese communities. We want to teach them the same skills we have learned so they can take our community’s success even further.
Why VIN’s Support is Essential
VIN’s support has been life-changing. With their intervention, we can make ends meet. Water management for agriculture is just one example of how VIN’s support has brought lasting change to our community. The positive impact on our farm, food security, and lives is unmistakable.
VIN has given us the tools to thrive. The skills I gained through their training programs have empowered me to become a better farmer, a better community member, and a more confident person. The impact of permaculture on food security in Nepal is undeniable. We now produce enough food without relying on chemicals, and our soil is healthier than ever.
Join Us in Creating a Brighter Future
I urge anyone who wants to make a real difference to get involved with VIN. Their work is making an incredible impact on communities like mine and can help others, too. Together, we can create a future where sustainable farming in Nepal is the norm, where all communities have access to clean water, and where we protect our environment for future generations.
If you want a way to help, I highly recommend supporting VIN’s projects. Their support is not just about improving farming—it’s about transforming lives. Together, we can make a lasting change. Thank you, VIN, for everything you have done for us.
