Farm schools for vulnerable rural youth on the rise in Africa

Posted by: appablog 28 novembre 2007

Millions of orphans and vulnerable children in need of support – new manual published

Rome, 28 November 2007 – Farm schools for vulnerable children affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic are playing an increasingly important role in sub-Saharan Africa, FAO said today. The schools are teaching orphans vital farming and life skills ensuring them sustainable livelihoods and long-term food security.

A new manual on how to set up a Junior Farmer Field and Life School (JFFLS) has just been published by FAO and the World Food Programme (WFP).

HIV and AIDS have a tremendous impact on rural communities in Africa, particularly on children.

“Children and youth are charged with the heaviest burden of the AIDS crisis,” said Marcela Villarreal, Director of FAO’s Gender, Equity and Rural Employment Division. “Without their parents, they become more vulnerable to hunger and poverty, disease, conflict, sexual exploitation, forced migration and environmental degradation. The schools are an attempt to give orphans the means and the confidence to survive in an often very difficult environment,” she added.

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