120
Children Trained
5
Bee Hives
60,000 lbs
Food Produced
Donate

Agriculture

We believe in ensuring that all communities have access to fresh and healthy produce.

Our mission is provide the community with an evidence-based curriculum certification program that will incorporate hands-on group and individual learning experiences which includes importance of sustainable agriculture practices and nutrition.

Through agricultural education, students are provided opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success.

-National F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America)

 

Beekeeping

Apiculture can be an effective way to tackle poverty at the grassroots level. Beekeeping has the potential to be a lucrative and manageable business for any aspiring entrepreneur. In addition, apiculture has a positive impact on surrounding vegetation which will benefit local farmers and lead to richer crops. ABC Mobile Education Center LLC in partnership along with local community organizations is looking to establish 10 hives as a platform for the training and adoption of beekeeping practices in Phoenix Metro. This project is primarily concerned with empowering local communities with beekeeping skill sets and increasing diversity in bee culture by providing a safe learning environment and ongoing resources.

Composting

By composting, we are not only taking from the planet but giving back to it as well. We believe that Environmental Stewardship is critical for current and future generations.

According to researchers at Recycle Track Systems, The United States is the global leader in food waste, with Americans discarding nearly 40 million tons of food every year. Approximately 219 pounds of waste per person and 30-40 percent of the US food supply. 

“Nature demands a gift for everything that it gives, so what we have to keep doing, is returning [leaves & compost materials] back to the soil, then we’re continuously giving the gifts to nature, because we have a return cycle.” ~ Geoff Lawton

 

Donate Today

Every little bit counts! We appreciate your support with funding programs that impact our community.

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Nika Forte' - Founder of ABC Mobile Education LLC

Meet the Founder
Nika Forte' Sesay

Nika is the Urban Farm Manager for St. Vincent de Paul where she creates programming and community engagement events. Her job also includes managing community members who volunteer time at the Urban Farm, growing, processing and distributing freshly grown vegetables to the homeless community and needy families that they provide service for. Her role in the program is to improve food access and food security in under-served communities.

Things You Should Know About Nika:

  • Nika’s path led from Corporate America to become St. Vincent de Paul’s Urban Farm Manager 
  • She was motivated by the scarcity of fresh food as she raised her young children 
  • She believes working in the garden can give others a sense of peace and purpose 
  • She absolutely adores all children!
  • Her first failure in the gardens made her the gardener she is today
  • Nika constantly studies to stay informed with modern and effective practices to better educate the public
  • As an alum of Americorps Public Allies, Nika firmly believes in giving back to vulnerable communities through public service

As well as: 

  • Her failure – When she first started farming she thought “I’m going to kill it!” The first 2 weeks she literally killed about 100 plants!  
  • Her success – Really involving communities that hadn’t really thought about farming. The homeless can find a place of peace and to learn and to give back to nature. 
  • Her drive – Nika experienced living in a food desert and didn’t eat the healthiest. When she changed her diet she changed her life. “I can change my life and help others change theirs too. It’s never too late.“ 
  • Her advice – Don’t be afraid to fail. Just go for it. Reach our great community of urban farmers in the Phoenix area and collaborate!

Nika’s Book recommendations: 

  • Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre by Brett L. Markham
  • The Beekeeper’s Bible: Bees, Honey, Recipes & Other Home Uses by Richard Jones 
  • Organic Book of Compost, 2nd Revised Edition by Pauline Pears

 

How to reach Nika: 

Phone: 480-721-1141

Email: info@abcmec.org

0
Children Trained
0
Bee Hives
0lbs
Food Produced
Help us Heal the Planet

We Need Your Help

We need your assistance with educating future beekeepers, farmers, children and anyone who wants to learn how to be more food secure. We are looking for compassionate, loving and hard working individuals to further our mission.

However you choose to participate is welcomed. Whatever time you can sacrifice, will be appreciated. All of your contributions will be honored and know that you are helping to heal the planet.

Volunteer & Train with Us

Testimonial

  • I will honestly say you are the most easy genuine person that has taught my children and myself a lifetime of gardening practices that we will continue to use. My children were apart of your jr master gardener class.. and they still talk about it! thank you so much!

    Jr. Master Gardner Parent & Urban Farm Volunteer
    Qaadira Princess Muhammad
    Jr. Master Gardner Parent & Urban Farm Volunteer
  • I have learned so much!!!! Nika is so helpful and extremely knowledgeable. She blows me away with her skill and intricate knowledge of real gardening in AZ, which if you have tried to grow here know is a science. She knows it inside and out. She is truly a wealth of information, she has a love and passion for it and helping others learn too! Thank you so much Nika!!!!

    Home Gardener
    Christy Parker
    Home Gardener
  • Learning from Nika has been on of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had. I have always thought that my green thumb was just nonexistent. Nika has been able to explain things pertaining to agriculture and beekeeping that make me feel like I can do it all. I’ve seen so many people benefit from the knowledge that she has. With Nika’s help, I know that anyone can elevate themselves in the world of agriculture. I can’t wait to learn more about how I can grow food and give back to the earth in my new space.

    Beekeeping Trainee & Urban Volunteer
    Kyley Jameison
    Beekeeping Trainee & Urban Volunteer

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