4/12/2025 – On a bright Saturday morning, the spirit of learning and sustainable innovation was alive and thriving at Asawana Farms as Auntie Angie led a hands-on training workshop on building homemade, small-scale hydroponics systems. With her signature warmth, practical wisdom, and decades of gardening experience, Auntie Angie shared an empowering message: growing fresh vegetables does not have to be expensive or complicated.
The training, organized in collaboration with Asawana Farms, welcomed a group of enthusiastic UFI farmers and volunteers eager to deepen their knowledge of sustainable food production. The focus was on low-cost, DIY hydroponics systems—perfect for urban or peri-urban farmers looking to maximize small spaces with minimal resources.
“I never thought I could grow lettuce or tomatoes without soil. Now I’m already thinking of setting this up at home,” said one participant, proudly holding up their completed hydroponic setup made from recycled plastic containers.
Auntie Angie walked participants through every step: from selecting the right vegetables and creating nutrient solutions to maintaining water flow and troubleshooting common issues. The workshop emphasized resourcefulness, using easily accessible materials and encouraging a zero-waste mindset.
Participants expressed how eye-opening and inspiring the training was. Beyond just a learning experience, the event sparked ideas for new community gardens, school projects, and even potential small-scale agri-business ventures.
“It’s not just about growing food,” Auntie Angie shared during the session. “It’s about growing confidence, self-reliance, and community.”
With sustainability and food security becoming more critical in today’s world, training like this is more than just a workshop—it’s a seed planted for a more resilient future. Thanks to Auntie Angie, these newly equipped farmers are ready to turn walls, balconies, and small plots into thriving green spaces.