Current Caretaker Trainees
Victor Arimpa
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
Victor always wanted to pursue higher education but he did not have funds to do so. Then, he heard about BLI. Just one month after joining, he knew this was the place for him. “I now have just so much passion in my life. I wake up every day with so much energy.”
Rosemary Babirye
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
“I thought farming was not my interest…although I had started admiring the BLI trainees…seeing them in their overalls, working with animals and vegetables, on which my mom was getting survival.”
Tracy Babirye
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
“My stay at BLI made me find out that all things are equal, and everyone is responsible for the harm caused to the environment……I see hope of becoming an integral farmer, tourist guide, or a researcher…I prefer to educate others about the skills I am acquiring here at BLI and be part of the world changes from chemical to organic methods of farming.”
Sandra Kaitesi
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
“From my childhood, I had a dream of being a veterinary doctor….I wanted to join an agricultural college but the tuition was unaffordable…..After BLI I think of setting up an integrated farm, without ignoring my dream of becoming a veterinarian..”
Isa Kisumbi
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
"What interest me in the program is to learn how to take care of animals and growing different varieties of crops using practices that have no harm to the environment. I also enjoy activities done in the Lazarus forest; for example nursery establishment and management and planting of trees. I look forward to being a tree specialist in my home village with a good nursery rich in a variety of local trees.”
Geofrey Lubega
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
“I enjoy studying at BLI, especially learning how to rear animals and chickens.”
Joylin Nabadda
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
“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 produce and teach the community how to live in a sustainable healthy environment.”
Phionah Nakalema
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
Before joining BLI, Phionah worked in a Chinese sewing company in Kampala for some time. When she heard of BLI, she immediately applied, as she longed to return to the villages and open air. "I only went to Kampala as I needed work," she shares. "I am so much more comfortable back out here." Her favorite part of BLI is the leadership classes.
Immaculate Nambirige
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
Immaculate (or "Immy") says BLI provided to her a whole new life. "I am very eager to finish the training and go home to practice and share this Godly knowledge and skills to my community," she shares.
Damascus Ochieng
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort II
"In the [BLI] program I am interested in learning about animal management and am looking forward to starting a personal project at home next year….I see myself as a successful Integral Ecologist in my home village in Eastern Uganda, 160 miles from BLI.”
Angella Kamukama
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Angella is proud and excited to be at BLI. One thing that really excites her is her future as a female in the male-dominated agricultural industry. "No, I'm not nervous," she says. "I think its great to be unique!"
Andrew Kagwa
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Allen Gimono
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Allen's favorite part of BLI is Lazarus' Forest. Less than 6 months into the program, she was already sharing knowledge. "By now, I already know very many different types of trees," she shared.
Brian Ocen
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Deogratius Serubiri
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Deogratius joined BLI after spending time as an electrician, as he sees agriculture, particularly sustainable agriculture, as important for the future of his people and country. “We have a growing population, and we need to eat," he says. "I thus see organic farming as a very moral occupation. It keeps our nation healthy.”
Esther Najjemba
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Growing up, Esther watched her mother farm every day. She wanted to do the same. "Even in primary school, farming was my dream," she shares. She knows BLI will give her the tools to follow this dream and plans to open a banana plantation and piggery upon graduation.
Edrin Mulidwa
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Francis Ebeju
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Henry Musanjje
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Hajara Mugide
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Hajara came to BLI with her brother, Jackson. They plan to be the first in their family to practice agriculture. "We plan to practice together, hopefully rearing poultry," Hajara shared.
JB Nduuli
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Jovia Nakimuli
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
When Jovia was in high school, her father fell ill, which forced her to drop out due to a lack of funding for school fees. She then joined BLI and loves it, especially the forest. On the weekends, she already started bringing tree seedlings back to her home village, teaching her neighbors about reforestation.
Jackson Wabomba
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Coming to BLI with his sister Hajara, Jackson plans to return to his home village after his time at BLI concludes. There, he will work with Hajara to build a farm based on the pillars of integral ecology.
Mary Nakiriwo
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Mary came to BLI after serving as a hairdresser for some time. She is excited to have the opportunity to be back out in the village and on the land. "I like it out here best," she says. "Here you can live with your people, live with your animals, and have forever fresh air.”
Thomas Sekyanzi
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Richard Mugambi
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Specioza Kyomugisha
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Spacioza previously earned a certificate in agriculture. She joined BLI, however, to learn more holistic and sustainable methods of farming. She plans to have a poultry farm one day. "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 Spacioza’s poultry farm.’”
Sharon Kayesu
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Bubbly and outgoing, Sharon quickly makes friends with any guest that visits BLI. "In life, you always need friends. It is only together that we can accomplish things," she shared.
Samuel Mutibwa
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III
Richard Odongo
Caretaker Trainee, Cohort III