Jadhu overseeing the plants that he took care of over the course of the program at TLF. ©UNHCR/M. Farhanditya
As the sun rises over the lush green fields of The Learning Farm (TLF), a group of young men and women gather for their morning chores. Among them is Arumapillay Nilakshan, a 24-year-old refugee from Sri Lanka, who has found solace and purpose in this transformative program. For four months, Jadhu – as he prefers to be called – has been learning to cultivate organic products and care for the nature, building new skills and discovering a sense of belonging that he never knew before. Later that day, on 2 March 2023, he graduated from TLF’s program, and his story is a testament to the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Growing up in Sri Lanka, Jadhu had seen firsthand the value of agriculture and had the affinity for working with the land. However, his dreams were cut short when he was sent to fled abroad along with his relatives due to the lingering effects of the civil war that had ravaged the country for decades.
Jadhu was only 15 years old when he became a refugee, and for the next nine years, he lived in Indonesia. He registered with UNHCR in Jakarta and lived with his relatives, but his life was far from easy. He had no formal education and was limited in his interactions with others, mostly spending time with fellow Sri Lankan refugees. However, he refused to let his circumstances hold him back.
Earlier last year, Jadhu discovered The Learning Farm, a residential organic farming centre for vulnerable youth. He was immediately drawn to the program, which transforms the lives in groups of 40 young men and women from disadvantaged backgrounds across the Indonesian archipelago using the medium of farming and caring for nature. Jadhu knew that this was his chance to pursue his passion for farming and learn valuable skills that would help him achieve his dreams.
Jadhu faced many challenges during his time at The Learning Farm. The regiment was strict, with wake-up calls at 5:00 AM and a lights-out policy at 10:00 PM. However, he quickly adapted to the discipline and found joy in the work he was doing. He learned about organic farming through hands-on experience, marketing skills, and even computer skills that could help him with farming. These activities equip him to better realize his dream in pursuing a career in professional farming. He also made many Indonesian friends from all over the country and relished the opportunity to interact with people from different.
Jadhu showing the farming plot where he recently worked on with his team. ©UNHCR/M. Farhanditya
Jadhu’s favorite activity at TLF was watering the plants and watching them grow. He was particularly fond of coriander or “ketumbar”, as it is called in Indonesian. He said, “Siram (watering) is very enjoyable for me. Seeing it grow, is most enjoyable.” Jadhu’s hard work paid off, and he was declared the best graduate of his batch (42) at The Learning Farm, the first of all refugees to be the best graduate.
Wisnu, the program’s General Manager, remembers him as an exceptional student with a bright future. “Jadhu has left an unforgettable mark on The Learning Farm. He was one of our best graduates, and his passion for organic farming inspired everyone around him. We know he has the potential to go very far in this field, and we wish him all the success in the world.”
Jadhu receiving his graduation certificate as the best graduate of his batch from Wisnu, the program’s General Manager at TLF, with Ria from UNCHR especially invited by Jadhu to join him onstage. ©UNHCR/M. Farhanditya
After graduating from TLF, Jadhu returned to Jakarta, where he continued to pursue his dream of becoming a professional farmer by studying farming further – such as experimenting with simple plants in his house. He was now healthier and more confident than ever before. He woke up early in the morning and slept on time, determined to make the most of every day.
Ria, the UNHCR staff member who assisted Jadhu in applying to TLF’s program, believes that Jadhu’s story could serve as an inspiration to other refugees in Indonesia. “Jadhu is proof that refugees can achieve great things, even in challenging circumstances. His determination to succeed in his new home is admirable, and I hope that other refugees can learn from his example. We are proud to have played a small role in his journey, and we have high hopes for his future.”
Jadhu’s ultimate goal is to become a professional farmer, but he knows that it will take time and hard work to get there. He is open to exploring alternative careers related to farming, such as truck driving, and is eager to learn as much as he can. He said, “Just try, try, try, and try. It’s okay if you fail, but just try first.”
Jadhu showing his group’s section of the farming plot. Over the course of the program, they focused cultivating their own plants within the plot. ©UNHCR/M. Farhanditya
Jadhu’s journey has been long and challenging, but he has never given up on his dreams. His determination leads him on his way to achieving his goals. With his passion for farming and his commitment to excellence, there is no doubt that Jadhu will go on to achieve great things in the future.
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