News
Scholarships of The PROKON Foundation
(September 2010)
We believe that ‘Education’ is the solution to most social, economic and environmental problems. Therefore PROKON grants scholarships to students with outstanding school grades that would not be able to continue secondary schooling and university studies due to their families' low income situation. Since January 2010 we support secondary schooling of 16 girls and 27 boys as well as the University studies of a young Hutu-lady with a total of 20.000 Euros. PROKON's scholarships are for a period of three to four years, and cover all expenses for annual school fees, uniforms, books and other school supplies.
Free Jatropha seedling distribution in Mpanda District
(March 2010)
The PROKON nurseries in all cultivation areas over the District have been sucessfully established. From end of 2009 till February 2010 the seedlings grew up in our nursery seedbeds, now they are transplanted to the farmers fields. PROKON Extension Officers take care of the nurseries and organize the free seedling distribution to the new Jatropha farmers. Every interested farmer who gets seedlings signs a contract with PROKON and recieves Extension Services and advise on all questions related to Jatropha farming. Frequent farm visits guarantee a succesfull field establishment and developement of the Jatropha seedlings. After transplanting the young Jatropha trees need intensive care mainly in the first years. Weeding, fertilization, pest control and reshaping have to be done to raise grand trees out of the small seedlings.
Annual Motivation Campaign for Jatropha
(October 2009)
In their yearly motivation campaign ahead of the rainy season, PROKON-staff along with local village authorities are currently promoting Jatropha as an additional cash crop and an additional source of income for farmers throughout Mpanda District. In approximately 60 villages Prokon Agronomists and Extension Officers are presenting the beneficial nature of the perennial Jatropha-plant: Cultivated in between traditional staple food-crops, Jatropha makes the farmer's land more profitable on a longterm basis. Prokon established Jatropha-nurseries across the District, and advertises with free seedlings and sound extension services for farmers.
PROKON Jatropha-Workshop for District Agricultural Extension Officers
(July 2009)
On July 2nd 2009 PROKON performed a training-workshop for 48 Extension Officers of Mpanda District's Agricultural and Livestock Office (DALDO). PROKON-Head of Office Mr. Edwin Mwakatage and Jatropha-Consultant Mr. Lucas Mdewa shared their experience and insights on cultivating Jatropha as an additional cash-crop. Into October 2009 District Agricultural Extension Officers along with Prokon-staff and Ward Officers will launch an awareness campaign promoting Jatropha cultivation among farmers across Mpanda District.