Image: Agriculture at SMAK Oetuke
A large part of EGI’s one-hectare property in Kot’olin can be used for agriculture. We want to develop this land into a productive learning environment that supports our education center while exploring agricultural methods suited to the climate and conditions of West Timor.
Our long-term goal is to understand how limited land and water resources can be used more effectively—producing more diverse food, improving the soil, and creating practical knowledge that can benefit the wider community.
In 2026, we are launching an initial agricultural pilot project on our property. We are receiving advice from agricultural experts connected with the University of California, Davis, and will use the first phase to test suitable crops, cultivation methods, water management, and soil improvement.
Agricultural trials conducted in the Kupang region indicate that improved farming methods may produce yields several times higher than conventional local practices. Our pilot project will help us determine what can realistically be achieved under the specific conditions in Kot’olin.
Rather than assuming that a method will work, we want to test it carefully, document the results, and adapt it based on practical experience.
Agriculture takes time. Soil needs to improve, trees need to grow, and cultivation methods must be tested across different seasons. We therefore see this as a long-term development project rather than a quick intervention.
The initiative will allow us to explore how different plants and trees can be combined, how water can be used efficiently, and how agricultural production can become more resilient and productive over time.
Our students are growing up in a region where employment opportunities and the local economy are still limited. Agriculture remains one of the most accessible areas in which practical skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship can create meaningful opportunities.
As our students grow older, the project can become a place for practical learning. They can gain experience in cultivation, resource management, problem-solving, and potentially the processing or sale of agricultural products.
Our vision is to develop a successful demonstration project at the Education Center in Kot’olin. If the methods prove effective, the knowledge gained could later be shared with local families and potentially adapted for use in other communities across West Timor.
Towering Trees: Our landscapes are adorned with majestic coconut trees, nutritious Moringa, and the uniquely flavored Soursop.
Bountiful Bushes and Low Trees: Our ground level is lush with the tropical charm of banana and papaya trees, punctuated by the vibrant bursts of our orange trees.
Diverse Plant Species: Sweet potato, peanuts, and tomatoes add richness to our fields, with aubergines and kale offering a vibrant mix of textures and flavors. Onions, garlic, and chilli contribute a spice element, while the sweetness in our diverse range comes from melons and pineapples.
