Empowering Youth through Agricultural Education: The JFS-RESET Cotton School Program

Access to education and infrastructure development are pivotal for sustainable community growth. In line with this, the JFS-RESET Cotton School Program was launched in 2012 to integrate agricultural education into school curricula in Mozambique. By 2024, the program had been fully implemented in six schools, positively impacting approximately 80 young students.

Program Overview

1. Educational Integration

The program collaborates with twenty pilot schools, providing technical support to teachers and training both educators and students in agricultural practices. Each participating school establishes a small cotton field, serving as a practical learning platform.

2. Hands-On Agricultural Training

Students engage in a learn-by-doing process, participating in activities such as planting, harvesting, bagging, weighing, and accounting of annual results. To ensure safety, all hazardous tasks, including pesticide treatments, are performed by JFS-RESET field officers.

3. Economic Incentives

The harvested seed cotton is purchased at a special price, with proceeds converted into essential goods for the schools, such as paper, materials, and desks. This approach not only supports educational infrastructure but also instills a sense of economic understanding and responsibility among students.

Impact and Sustainability

1. Skill Development

By integrating agricultural training into the education system, the program equips students with practical skills that are directly applicable to their communities, fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

2. Community Engagement

The program strengthens the relationship between schools and the broader community, promoting collaborative efforts in agricultural development and sustainability.

3. Alignment with Sustainable Practices

The JFS Group’s commitment to sustainable agriculture is further evidenced by its achievement of the regenagri certification, making it the first company in Mozambique to do so. This certification underscores the group’s dedication to regenerative farming practices, benefiting both farmers and the ecosystem. 

The JFS-RESET Cotton School Program exemplifies how educational initiatives can be tailored to meet local economic and environmental needs. By integrating agricultural education into schools, the program not only enhances the learning experience but also contributes to community development and sustainable agricultural practices.

RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). JFS-RESET Cotton School Program is linked to several SDGs:

The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.