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Our Mission
is to preserve, study, and exchange low-capital technologies in order
to increase the sustainability and productivity of rural communities.
Our Vision
is to share our rural heritage with the world in a humble way that
offers understanding of local conditions, gives promise for generations
to come, and encourages an attitude of experimentation.
Internships
train people in skills for more productive overseas work.
Response Form
Take a minute to give us feedback or request information.
Jim Harrington of Illinois demonstrates
for Central American guests the fine work possible with an animal-drawn
road grader as Duane Westrate guides the horses.
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Helping With International
Rural Development
The United Nations FAO estimates that there are 400 million draft animals
in use around the globe. Farmers are much more productive with draft
animal tools than with hand hoes. Tillers sees animal powered farming
as an excellent means for advancing farm communities with very
limited capital finances.
Ways to Help:
Help sponsor
a project:
Every year Tillers is invited to overseas communities
to share and exchange solutions.
Improve your
skills for future service:
Before traveling overseas you may want to gain experience to equip
you for the challenges of development work. Learning how to drive
oxen and using woodworking and blacksmithing tools to build yokes
and cultivation equiment are only a part of Tillers' training. Learning
how to understand and communicate ideas about growing crops and
conserving soil to a different culture is another part. Internships
and volunteering not only allow you to learn how to make sure the
yoke fits comfortably, but how to appreciate and understand the
challenges facing so many people today.
Research
solutions to technical challenges:
Plant a crop, build a prototype raised bed disk, use drip irrigation
to save water, and use what you might find in rural Senegal to make
it happen and to improve upon.
Share your
skills on an overseas trip:
Do you have skills that would contribute to an overseas training
program? Chances are you do. Carpenters, masons, gardeners, homemakers...
Host international
guests:
Many of our guests have never been to the United States,
and may not have the opportunity to return. You may feel more comfortable
staying closer to home, but want to learn more firsthand about life
in Thailand or Bolivia. Many of our international interns also wish
to go to a church of their faith. By sharing outings to local attractions
with interns, they will be able to take in American culture, and
share their culture with you. This exchange is the first in understanding
development needs.
Contribute to Tillers:
Donations are essential for the international work
that is an important part of Tillers' mission. Tillers International is recognized
by the US-IRS as a tax-deductible educational charity.
Call 800/498-2700 or 269/626-0223 to volunteer or to contribute.
Or, mail a check to Tillers International at: 10515 East OP Ave, Scotts,
MI 49088 USA.
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International
Development
Projects
Water and Soil Conservation
Road Building
Training Oxen
Building Water Carts
Hay Making
Tillers was created to help international farmers
develop their production and communities. Each of the classes offered
will enhance your skills for international
rural development.
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