Meet Our Commissioned Caretakers!
BLI's first, second, and third cohorts of Caretakers have officially completed the BLI formation program. Each group spent multiple years in the program, the majority of this time on BLI's campus in Nandere. They have now returned to their home villages across Uganda, each of them starting their own farm using the knowledge obtained at BLI.
Despite their time at BLI's campus coming to a close, they remain integral members of the BLI family: "Once BLI, always BLI." Our Commissioned Caretakers are now implementing integral ecology practices in their communities, teaching sustainable agriculture, and becoming leaders in environmental restoration.
Cohort I - Pioneering Caretakers
Our first cohort of Commissioned Caretakers blazed the trail for integral ecology in Uganda. These eight dedicated individuals completed their formation and returned to their communities with a mission to transform agriculture and environmental practices.
Featured Commissioned Caretakers: Jonas Ahairwe dreams of becoming a model Integral Ecology Agricultural Entrepreneur. Flavia Nabaggala (Best Academic Performer) is empowering women with BLI skills. Paul Muzalugamba (Greatest Leadership Potential) is grateful for education in sustainable environmental development. Alice Joyce Nanfuka (Best Community Advocate) found hope and a future at BLI.
Cohort II - Growing Impact
The second cohort expanded BLI's reach across Uganda, bringing integral ecology practices to new communities. These ten Caretakers are now implementing sustainable farming and environmental restoration in their villages.
- Victor Arimpa found passion and energy pursuing education at BLI
- Phionah Nakalema returned from Kampala, finding comfort in village life
- Isa Kisumbi is becoming a tree specialist with nursery expertise
- Joylin Nabadda plans to establish a teaching and production farm
- Damascus Ochieng is pursuing success as an Integral Ecologist in Eastern Uganda
Cohort III - Recent Graduates
Our third cohort of twenty Commissioned Caretakers recently completed their formation. These passionate individuals bring diverse backgrounds and dreams as they return to their communities to practice integral ecology and sustainable agriculture.
Inspiring Stories: Angella Kamukama is excited to be unique in the male-dominated agricultural industry. Esther Najjemba plans to open a banana plantation and piggery, fulfilling her childhood farming dream. Jovia Nakimuli already started bringing tree seedlings to her village on weekends, teaching neighbors about reforestation. Mary Nakiriwo loves village life with her people, animals, and forever fresh air.
Dreams and Aspirations
Our Commissioned Caretakers have ambitious plans for transforming their communities through integral ecology. Siblings Hajara Mugide and Jackson Wabomba plan to work together building a farm based on integral ecology principles. Specioza Kyomugisha dreams of a poultry farm that others will visit and learn from.
Deogratius Serubiri, a former electrician, sees organic farming as a moral occupation that keeps the nation healthy. Sharon Kayesu believes that "in life, you always need friends - it is only together that we can accomplish things." These Caretakers embody BLI's mission of integral ecology, combining environmental restoration with community development and economic empowerment.
What Our Commissioned Caretakers Say
Hear directly from our Commissioned Caretakers about their transformative experience at BLI and their vision for the future of their communities.
"I am grateful to get the right education about how sustainably I can use the environment to develop myself, my family, and the world at large."
"I now have just so much passion in my life. I wake up every day with so much energy."
"When my mother told me about BLI I saw my future and gained hope. My mission after BLI is to set up a teaching and production farm where I can teach the community how to live in a sustainable healthy environment."
"Even in primary school, farming was my dream. BLI will give me the tools to follow this dream and I plan to open a banana plantation and piggery upon graduation."
"My dream is that one day, many people will visit my farm and see my techniques. They will come and tell others, 'This here, is Specioza's poultry farm.'"
