Growing Confidence, One step more in mushroom cultivation

Women participants of the Nanma Sheroe Project at Don Bosco Veedu during the second training and experience-sharing session on mushroom cultivation, celebrating growth, learning, and shared achievement.

“Growing Mushrooms, Growing Confidence.”

At Don Bosco Veedu, women are discovering how practical skills can create lasting change. Through the Nanma Sheroe Project, mushroom cultivation is promoting health, confidence, and a sense of community.

The Nanma Sheroe Project held its second training and experience-sharing session on December 6 at Don Bosco Veedu, marking further progress in empowering women through sustainable livelihoods.

Participants shared positive outcomes from the first phase of mushroom cultivation. Many reported multiple harvests, with some achieving up to seven, providing fresh, organic produce for their households. The mushrooms were used in various dishes, and some women shared their harvest with friends and neighbours, further strengthening community ties.
The programme continues to expand, with new members joining during this phase. Fr. Sojan addressed participants’ questions and provided clear guidance, especially for those new to mushroom cultivation.

Several women expressed excitement and pride when the mushrooms first sprouted, describing it as a significant achievement. Family members, including children and spouses, often participated, making it a shared household activity.

Reflecting on the project’s impact, Fr. Jiji noted that mushroom cultivation offers more than just nutritious food. “It supports physical health, contributes to mental well-being, and strengthens family and neighbourhood relationships,” he said. He encouraged the group to consider the commercial potential of their learning, either as individual entrepreneurs or as a collective initiative supported by Don Bosco.

At the end of the session, participants received fresh mushroom seeds for the next phase of cultivation. With each harvest, the Nanma Sheroe Project demonstrates how sharing and nurturing simple skills can build confidence and create opportunities for greater self-reliance.