Discover the inspiring story of Jadhu, a Sri Lankan refugee who found hope and purpose as an organic farmer at The Learning Farm in Indonesia. Overcoming challenges and embracing his passion, Jadhu is now poised for a bright future in the field.
Jadhu’s Journey: From Refugee to Organic Farmer
In the verdant fields of The Learning Farm (TLF), a group of young individuals gathers every morning, ready to embark on a transformative journey. Among them is Arumapillay Nilakshan, a 24-year-old refugee from Sri Lanka, known affectionately as Jadhu. Over the course of four months, Jadhu has discovered a sense of purpose and belonging in this program, learning the art of organic farming and nurturing the environment. On 2 March 2023, he proudly graduated from TLF, a testament to his resilience and unwavering hope in the face of adversity.
( Credit to: Unhcr )
Jadhu’s early years in Sri Lanka acquainted him with the profound significance of agriculture and ignited his passion for working the land. Unfortunately, his dreams were abruptly halted when he and his relatives were forced to flee their homeland due to the lingering effects of a devastating civil war that had ravaged the country for decades.
( Credit to: Unhcr )
A New Life in Indonesia
At the tender age of 15, Jadhu found himself seeking refuge in Indonesia. He registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jakarta and lived with his relatives, but life was far from easy. Without access to formal education and limited social interactions, Jadhu primarily spent time with fellow Sri Lankan refugees. Nevertheless, he refused to allow his circumstances to define him.
( Credit to: Unhcr )
Discovering The Learning Farm
Last year, Jadhu stumbled upon The Learning Farm, a residential organic farming center for vulnerable youth. Instantly drawn to the program, he recognized the opportunity to pursue his farming passion and acquire invaluable skills that would pave the way for his dreams. Little did he know that this chance encounter would change his life forever.
Challenges and Triumphs
Jadhu’s journey at The Learning Farm was not without its challenges. Adapting to the strict regimen of early wake-up calls at 5:00 AM and lights-out at 10:00 PM proved demanding, but he quickly embraced the discipline and found joy in his work. Through hands-on experience, Jadhu learned the intricacies of organic farming, honed his marketing skills, and even gained computer proficiency to aid him in his agricultural pursuits. Additionally, he relished the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, forging lasting friendships with his Indonesian peers.
Nurturing Nature’s Bounty
Among the various tasks Jadhu undertook at TLF, his favorite was watering the plants and witnessing their growth. He developed a fondness for coriander, or “ketumbar” as it is called in Indonesian. Jadhu’s dedication paid off, as he emerged as the top graduate of his batch at The Learning Farm, becoming the first refugee to achieve this honor.
A Bright Future Beckons
Wisnu, the General Manager of the program, recognizes Jadhu as an exceptional student with a promising future. He believes that Jadhu’s passion for organic farming will inspire others and propel him towards great success in the field. Armed with his graduation certificate and newfound confidence, Jadhu returned to Jakarta, determined to continue his journey towards becoming a professional farmer.
An Inspiration to Others
Ria, the UNHCR staff member who assisted Jadhu in his application to The Learning Farm, views his story as an inspiration to other refugees in Indonesia. She emphasizes that Jadhu’s determination and achievements demonstrate that refugees can overcome challenging circumstances and achieve remarkable things. Ria expresses pride in playing a small role in Jadhu’s journey and harbors high hopes for his future.
A Steadfast Pursuit of Dreams
Jadhu’s ultimate goal is to become a professional farmer, fully aware that it will require time and unwavering effort. He remains open to exploring alternative careers related to farming, such as truck driving, while eagerly absorbing as much knowledge as possible. Jadhu’s mantra encapsulates his resilient spirit: “Just try, try, try, and try. It’s okay if you fail, but just try first.”
Conclusion
Jadhu’s journey from refugee to organic farmer has been arduous, but his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to his dreams have never wavered. With his passion for farming and his relentless pursuit of excellence, Jadhu is poised to achieve remarkable things in the future.