At LMI, education doesn’t stop at the classroom doors. We encourage students like Elisa to apply what they’ve learned “and go make changes in the world, help their families and communities.” As a second-year student, Elisa embodies this approach, learning essential agricultural skills that are already making an impact back home.
A Blend of Theory and Practice
Agriculture class is divided into two interconnected parts: agriculture (plants and soil) and animal care. Rather than relying on a single textbook, lessons are crafted from diverse resources, providing a comprehensive look at different farming systems and methods. Every morning, Elisa and her classmates head into the garden or work with animals, turning theory into practice.
They’re not just learning why planting is important—they’re understanding how to do it step by step, and more importantly, the reasons behind each action. From understanding crop cycles and nutrient management to improving soil health, these hands-on experiences are shaping a healthy view of agriculture.
Connecting the Dots: Agriculture and Animals
In Elisa’s class, plant cultivation and animal care go hand in hand. She’s learned how nitrogen-rich chicken manure and nutrient-dense cow manure enrich the soil, showing how farming systems depend on each other. This holistic view helps students see how everything in nature works together.
Learning Through Experience
One of Elisa’s most exciting discoveries was learning how to prepare natural fertilizers. “We learned about microorganisms, and it was the first time I’d ever seen them. I was so excited,” she shared. Watching these invisible helpers work their magic enhanced her understanding of sustainable farming practices.
A highlight of Elisa’s learning was a visit to a farm in Marcala, La Paz. “We saw how a real farm operates, and even got to taste the coffee—it was delicious,” she said with a smile. This trip made the lessons she had learned more real and practical.
Bringing Lessons Home
For Elisa, learning agriculture isn’t just about school, it’s also about bringing knowledge back to her community. When she returned to her family in Gualcinse, Lempira, during vacation, she noticed her mother was struggling to grow vegetables like potatoes and carrots. “It wasn’t going well,” Elisa admitted. But armed with the skills she’d gained, Elisa stepped in to help. By showing her mom how to properly measure and cultivate the soil, they saw real improvements. This was a proud moment for Elisa, knowing she could make a tangible difference.
The Power of Practice
“When you learn something and then put it into practice with your hands, you understand it better,” Elisa explained. The blend of learning and doing has deepened her knowledge and boosted her confidence. She feels ready for the future, whether she chooses to pursue agriculture professionally or simply help her family where she can. She also wants to learn more about animal care, especially how to treat chickens and cows when they’re sick, and she’s excited to explore this further.
Planting Seeds of Change
Elisa is already making a positive impact in her community. From teaching her mom new techniques to considering a future in agriculture, she’s applying her education beyond the classroom. As Elisa grows, so does the impact of LMI’s agricultural program, planting the seeds for long-term change in her community and beyond.