Through our young farmer employment initiative, youth who are receiving minimal formal educational instruction learn to function in an alternative setting, secure new skills and earn a salary – incentive which helps them take responsibility for themselves, the team and the farm. Indeed, employment serves as the primary motivator with the young person feeling tremendous pride as the farm’s yield makes its way to our consumers’ tables. 

Kaima’s multi-generational team is responsible for growing, harvesting, marketing and helping deliver fresh veggies to our growing customer network. Moreover, our non-hierarchical work environment means that young farmers are given significant responsibility, including allowing them to practice their newly-honed skills in real time by leading tours and agricultural workshops. Participation may last from 3-24 months. There is a regular rotation of up to 10 fulltime farm positions open with some 20 taking part annually.  

In collaboration with local welfare authorities, Kaima youth attend school part-time while working on the farm. Using nature as an outdoor classroom, young people are relieved from the social pressures of the classroom; earn a salary; are exposed to strong adult role models, and benefit from alternative educational programming, enabling them to graduate after 12th grade.  Ninety-five percent of our participants graduate; it is estimated that as few as 50% would do so without our intervention.