The
establishment of an Eco-farm has commenced. This will enable us to develop
useful skills in the children, produce food and create longer term
self-sufficiency. The Eco-farm will also utilize environmentally friendly practices.
The children will be trained in different facets of day to day farm operation
and more importantly, to develop an awareness of any particular areas that
might interest them, which can then be further encouraged and pursued. The
Eco-farm can include livestock such as pigs, rabbits, hens and ducks.
Our
first crops were planted in April 2008 and further planting of vegetables have
continued since that time. These crops not only supply food for House of Hope
but provide a source of income to House of Hope as well as teaching basic
management and finance skills to both the workers and the children.
In
February 2009 we planted our first rice crop that will provide the much needed
daily allowance for House of Hope in the later part of the year. Visitors from Australia
really enjoyed getting in and lending a hand with our workers to get the fields
ploughed and sown.
During
the month of March our first pineapple trees were planted on the property.
Our
plans for the rest of 2009 is to see a Chicken coup to house 200 chickens
erected. This will take place in July along with the purchase of more land to
aid expansion of this project.
As
well as this we have also added fish to our ponds of which the children have
enjoyed catching and cooking!
In
August we will construct our piggery and hope to have it fully functioning by
September.
