The Sun is shining over the Farm

Work on the farm is progressing well! The sun is shining, the water is flowing, the vegetables are growing and the team is encouraged and hard-working. The mood is always positive. Gordon Merk reports. 

Sunshine over the Farm

First Fruits

The fruit tree campaign has produced its first fruits and harvest – earlier than expected. The young people who planted these trees were delighted with the first fruits. We are hoping for a rich harvest. Fruits give our pupils much-needed vitamins.

As mentioned before, the nutrition programme has done a lot of good for the growth and health of the pupils. We will also grind our own milimeal (Nshima), which will have considerably more valuable substances. We are very excited about such positive developments. It is part of our vision to support the charity thanks to the farm.

First Firsts of the Fruit Tree Campaign

Project: Chili 

Chilli production is a new addition to the farm. The first 30,000 seedlings are being planted. Here, too, we are hoping for a lucrative harvest and that the farm can flourish even more economically. Benson, our farm manager, is optimistic.

Lack of electricity is a challenge. Good solutions are always being found. For example, a recently acquired water pump can be operated by the tractor. The solar pumps have limited capacity. Innovation and new approaches are always needed.

New Water Pump, operated by the Tractor

Labour Day

On 1 May, Danny and Benson took the team on a well-deserved trip to Kafue, south of Lusaka. The participants enjoyed the time and were very satisfied. Fellowship, food and a boat trip served as team building. The aim of the trip was also to express our appreciation for the team and their hard work.

Excursion of the Farm Team

Expansion of the Farm Team

The team has grown in the meantime. In addition to the permanent staff, our three Chikupi graduates, Eunice, Janet and Stephen, have recently joined the team, as well as three young men who are waiting for their university places, Kelvin, Moses and Christopher. ‘It's like a small family,’ said Moses with his marvellous smile. He was the second best Grade 12 graduate this year and is hoping for a place at university with a scholarship. The opportunity to work and have accommodation means a lot to them.

The Team: Encouraged and Hard-working

Optimistic going forward

On the whole, we are optimistic and confident. We are grateful for everything that exists and are looking forward to what is yet to come. The sun is also shining over our farm, symbolising success!

A recent Tomato Harvest