Celebrating "The Link"

Working with Virginia Tech is different because they walk the talk. They come, they tell you that we are going to do this, and they'll do it. They come and understand what is it that you are in need of. They will go back and fundraise for that. And then... here we are, having this new machine, knowing that I have land, but now I have land and a tractor. How do I feel — the impact that they made? They are not making the impact to me only. They are making impact to the community at large. Women that are here today that are learning and are going to go out there being able to start their own businesses, corporates, how to work the soil, they are learning here how to plant. Some of them planting continue for them. Tomorrow again they're going to learn. So it's empowerment and skills transfer as well which is very important. And what I'm saying to the Virginia community: Keep on supporting countries like us and other communities because it's making a huge difference.

impact 1:33 Celebrating "The Link"

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19 Mar 2026 145

Mama Vivian Zilo-Ncana, founder of the Iliso Care Society and operator of a 75-acre farm, talks about how her partnership with Virginia Tech is adding to food security in the South African township of Khayelitsha. On their recent "Connect and Serve" study abroad trip to Cape Town, Virginia Tech students and faculty presented her with a tractor they fundraised for over two years. The tractor, which she nicknamed "The Link" will support production of more food on the farm.

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