Based on data collected by SHEEP Indonesia Foundation (YSI) regarding Field School participants in Sipora, Siberut, Kupang, and Sabu Raijua, the results show that almost 75% of participants are those over 35 years old and the rest are of course those under that age; However, in Nemnemleleu Village there was a young Astrid Saogo who at the time of the first Field School 3 years ago had just finished high school; instead of continuing her career to work Astrid jumped right in with the other residents of Nemnem Village to join OMB Silasi. Adjusting to the other OMB members was certainly not without obstacles, the age difference and the absence of peers in the group made it a little difficult for Astrid to blend in; however, over time, Astrid began to find her rhythm in the group especially as the youngest member she had an advantage in receiving and absorbing every material taught in every field school meeting.
"At first, Astrid was a little difficult to blend in with the other members, but as time went on, Astrid had an advantage in absorbing the material, so she could even be a liaison to other members who might not understand by explaining in easy-to-understand language," said Ikbal, the Sipora Area Manager. Over time, Astrid began to see the potential in the field school. She learnt a lot about local food processing, something she had never learnt before. She also realised that agriculture is not just about working in the fields, but also about building communities and preserving local food in her area.
"At first, I wasn't too sure about the field school. But as time went by, I started to see the tremendous potential in it. In the field school, I learnt a lot about local food processing from nursery to post-harvest processing, something I had never learnt before. This knowledge opened my eyes that we must fight for local food that used to be our family's daily food.
More than that, I realised that agriculture is not just about working in the fields. In the field school, I found a spirit of togetherness to learn from each other and find the best treatment of the food we choose so that later we can develop local food independently; I am grateful for the opportunity I got to participate in the field school."
Astrid's experience at Omb Silasi not only gave her new knowledge and skills, but also changed her perspective on how to care for and develop local food potential in her area. It didn't stop with her participation in the field school, Astrid also endeavoured to encourage her peers to love and manage local food in Nemnemleleu Village.
Astrid's story is an example of how OMB can also inspire and empower the younger generation in Nemnem Village. By providing a platform for them to learn and grow, OMB helps them discover their potential and contribute to the community and safeguard its local food potential.
