Income Generating Projects
In 2005 the Friends of Kakamega (USA) and Care Center Management Committee (Kenya) agreed that the organization should work on making the project self-sustaining, so that in the distant future the project may continue regardless of whether or not it receives funds from the US. With that goal in mind, a number of income-generating projects have been pursued to generate revenue within the local Kakamega economy.
The farm has been the most important aspect of these income generating projects. Located in the village of Shimanyero, several miles from the Care Center, 5 acres (20,000 m2) of farmland have been purchased and brought under cultivation to support the project. Corn, potatoes, and staple food are grown for the Care Center's dining hall, and other vegetables (along with excess corn) are sold at market to bring in revenue to support the project. At harvest time, the older orphans help out with cutting the corn, offering them a chance to give back to the project and to connect with Kakamega's agricultural culture. An effort has been undertaken to shift the land from its fertilizer-dependent state toward organic production, but challenges remain due to the depleted nature of Kakamega's soil.
Dairy cows, honey bees, and laying hens are the other agricultural portion of the income-generating projects. Some cows are kept on the farmland, while other cows and dozens of laying hens reside at the homes of local volunteers who had extra space available. A small number of beehives are also placed on the farmland. Fresh cow's milk, honey, and eggs are all sold to support the running of the Orphan Project. Some of the honey is brought back to the United States and sold there (at a higher price) to raise additional funds.
The Friends Shop is located on the same parcel of land as the Care Center and the Amalemba Friends Church; local residents, church-goers, and Western volunteers all frequent the small shop with the knowledge that the profits will support these needy children. Along with regular goods like soap and cooking fat, the shop sells eggs, milk, and honey produced by the Orphan Project's agricultural initiatives.
Read more about this topic: Kakamega Orphan Project
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