The teachers and administrators of the Waidina District School in Naitasiri are providing students with alternative skills – that will help them to generate income in the future.

They recently opened a new ginger production and seedling distribution centre, which is part of their education curriculum.

School teacher Asinate Koroicavuilagi says they want younger generation to develop interest in ginger farming.

“If they are unable to get the white collar jobs that they want – through this project – when they leave Waidina Secondary – we know that we have groomed them well – and with the land they are able to stand on their own feet – and that is one way we can help the child.”

The project will also involve the community as the village headman is expected to give land to the students for planting so that ginger production continues.

Students have planted over 30 lines of ginger and they plan to increase their production next year.

Waidina has been marked as a high quality ginger production district.