It was onion transplanting time in my community, a time for hope and anticipation. But a major issue arose in the community where the community garden tanks weren’t supplying enough water as expected. This underprivileged community had faced numerous challenges but this was a different challenge. The community women struggled to get water their crops; the only survival means they have.  

The onion transplants that were carefully nurtured for weeks started wilting. The soil started to get dry under their own watch, albeit the hard work they did in the garden. 

They started encouraging each other, but deep down they knew nothing could be done after exhausting all the necessary help.

With all the struggle they faced, they were strong and resilient. They struggled under the scorching sun. They watered them with the tiny drops of water they could get, tilling the soil, going back and forth with the buckets and pans on their heads.  

They poured their hearts into these plants. They fertilized with compost and animal droppings, a true testament of my community’s resilience and hard work. 

Little by little the onions started to respond. As time goes on, the onions stood tall and their leaves started to look vibrant. My community started to feel some relief.

The day of harvest arrived, they harvested with so much pleasure, even though they expected to have more harvest, but they had onions. It wasn’t just about the onions; it was about the relentless efforts made in the garden work. This is the power of hard work and dedication. One step at a time!