First photo: Rumirose Amwel, 8, digs for sweet potatoes along with other youths from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui’s Mentor Center during a visit to the GoFarm Hawaii garden on the UH-Maui College campus Wednesday. “I enjoyed digging,” Amwel said. “I want to be a farmer.” The kids were learning about farming from GoFarm Hawaii Farm coach P.J. Oliveros. According the GoFarm Hawaii website, its mission is to enhance Hawaii’s food security and economy by increasing the number of local agricultural producers. The organization offers those with an interest in agriculture knowledge, experience and support designed to assist them in becoming viable production growers with an emphasis on sustainability. Oliveros said future farmers of all ages are welcome to help and learn at the UH-Maui College Agriculture Department gardens from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Second photo: Joy Ezra, 9, holds a pair of sweet potatoes alongside Zerenity Sonis, 9.

The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos