This past Saturday, Asawana Farms had the distinct pleasure of hosting a vibrant and committed group of students from the University of Maryland, College Park, representing the organization Civic Engagement for Social Good — a student-led initiative aimed at inspiring community collaboration and meaningful change.
What unfolded was a day filled with connection, curiosity, and hands-on learning that reaffirmed everything we believe in: that when people — especially young people — come together in service of something greater than themselves, real transformation begins to take root.
Hands in the Soil, Hearts in the Work
From the moment the students arrived, their enthusiasm was palpable. After a warm welcome and a quick orientation, we divided the group into smaller teams to begin their volunteer activities. Some students ventured into the rows of Okra, learning how to properly harvest this resilient and nutritious vegetable. Others joined us in the Callaloo patch, where they got firsthand experience in handling this leafy green, which holds deep culinary and cultural significance in many communities. A third group learnt and harvested jute leaf or as it is called in Yoruba – Ewedu. It was very interesting to see how fast the students learnt, and became pros within the twinkle of an eye.
For many of the students, this was their first time harvesting crops. They asked thoughtful questions, worked with care, and took real pride in what they were doing. These are the moments that remind us that farming is not just about growing food — it’s about growing awareness, stewardship, and respect for the land.
A Walk Through the Roots of Asawana Farms
After the harvest, we took the students on a guided tour of Asawana Farms, sharing the history and mission behind our work. As part of the Urban Farm Incubator, Asawana Farms exists to serve as a model for sustainable urban agriculture — reconnecting people with food, empowering local growers, and revitalizing land through ecological stewardship.
We talked about how the farm began, our struggles with access to land and resources, and our vision for a future where farms like ours are essential pillars in urban communities. The students listened with interest, and several expressed their desire to return — not just to volunteer, but to learn how to grow their own food.
The Bold Taste of Bitter Leaf
No visit to Asawana Farms would be complete without a taste of something unexpected. We introduced the students to Bitter Leaf, a traditional plant well-known in African communities for its medicinal properties. One by one, the students bravely tasted it — some winced, some smiled, and some were clearly surprised by its intensity!
But beyond the flavor, we shared its powerful health benefits, including its role in regulating blood sugar levels, supporting digestion, and promoting overall wellness. This tasting experience became a fun (and slightly humbling) reminder that nature often gives us what we need, even if it doesn’t always taste sweet.
A Sweet Finish with Farm-Fresh Watermelon
To refresh and refuel, the students were treated to juicy, sun-ripened seeded organic watermelon grown right here at Asawana Farms. There’s something incredibly rewarding about eating fruit that was grown a few yards away, harvested with care, and shared in community. The watermelon served not just as a snack, but as a symbol of abundance and gratitude.
Growing Together, Building the Future
We were truly inspired by the energy, openness, and intention these UMD students brought with them. It’s not every day you meet young people who are eager to rise early on a weekend, get their hands dirty, and spend time learning how food is grown — and why that matters.
To the students of Civic Engagement for Social Good: thank you for choosing to spend your day with us. Your time, effort, and spirit made a real difference. We hope you left with not just a better understanding of agriculture, but a deeper appreciation for the role that farms like Asawana play in building healthy, connected, and empowered communities.
We also extend an open invitation: if you, your classmates, or other student organizations are interested in learning how to grow, build, and serve — Asawana Farms is here for you. Let’s keep planting seeds of change, together.
In solidarity and soil.