About
Why an Education Centre for Permaculture?
Humanity is more than ever threatened by its own actions; we hear a lot about the need to minimize footprints and to reduce our impact. But what if our footprints could be beneficial? What if we could meet human needs while increasing the health and well-being of our planet? This is the premise of Permaculture: a design science for creating resilient and efficient systems inspired by nature.
The call is simple - to get our homes and gardens in order so they shelter and feed us. However, the design of efficient systems does not stop there... the knowledge, wisdom and skill of efficient design is being applied to the creation of abundant systems of business, livelihood, and community.
From Garden to Government, this movement is spreading. Its power lies in its simplicity in providing people with an education they have always wanted - not how to make a living, but how to make a life. The ideal of being self-sufficient has for too long been held for individuals to aspire to, now it is time to learn inter-dependency and thrive together within the larger systems that we are a part of.
So why a permaculture education centre? Because its the most powerful and hopeful element we can place within our local and international community.
The Caribbean Permaculture Research Institute of Barbados (CPRIB)
A Permaculture Research Institute is a internationally recognized centre for the education and demonstration of Permaculture in a given region of the world. CPRIB will be the first PRI in the Caribbean and will serve as a hub for courses, resources and information.
CPRIB will offer multiple ways for internationals and Caribbean people alike to engage in Permaculture. Free workshops and introductory talks will be held regularly, as well as a wide variety of courses, internships and volunteer opportunities. Farm tours, a farmers market and school gardens will be used to share the knowledge and fruits of abundant design.
Our aim is to be an educational catalyst for the harmonious integration of landscape and people.
CPRIB has a three year plan to become truly sustainable. By the start of the fourth year, three Barbadians will take full leadership of the project and continue to engage their community.
The Creation of a Centre
With 15 acres of land, an abandoned donated building, the support of the government and an expert team in waiting, there is one last hurdle to overcome - the creation of a classroom, an office and a kitchen.
Costs Include:
- Re-opening the building: Re-hook up electricity and plumbing
- Classroom: Chairs, tables, projector, whiteboard & furnishings
- Office: Printer, desks, filing cabinet, phone & furnishings
- Kitchen: Utensils, cookware, appliances, stock items
To create these spaces we need a minimum of $50,000. This money will allow us to truly kickstart CPRIB so we can hit the ground running.
Because of the way Kickstarter works, we must raise our complete goal of $50,000 to receive the money raised, so your contribution is crucial for this project to succeed.
Support us by:
1) Claim a reward by donating any amount (note: when you click on the donate tab of your choice, it will prompt you to sign in with your FB account OR sign up with KickStarter – thank you for taking the time to complete this short step)
2) Sharing this with a friend, family member and colleague who you know would be jazzed about our project.
Thank you so much for your hand up! We hope that you are inspired and, who knows, perhaps we will even see YOU in Barbados. For more information, check out our website at www.CPRIBarbados.com!
Warmly,
Kenton Zerbin, Lorraine Ciarallo & the CPRIB Team
Risks and challenges
One of our greatest challenges is the socio-economical difficulties that the Caribbean faces. Food is imported at high costs creating food security issues for many Barbadians. However, the individuals who would benefit most from what we are teaching are also those who are least able to afford a permaculture education. We are meeting this challenge by offering the most affordable education we can, providing sponsorship opportunities and providing courses at the times when Barbadians are most able to engage. As a non-profit organization, we also intend to minimize our expenses and reinvest our profits to further improve the accessibility of a permaculture education.
A risk that our project faces is a decline in the local and global economy. Barbadians and internationals alike are less likely to invest in self-education in trying times. Ironically, if the markets take a downturn, what we are teaching is even more valuable (i.e. making home, garden and business more resilient and productive). While a risk for our project, an economic downturn presents a great opportunity.
Learn about accountability on KickstarterQuestions about this project? Check out the FAQ
Support
Funding period
- (35 days)