To maximize their crop yield, edukenya's staff are conducting soil tests and consulting with the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture. These tests will help them understand the unique properties of the land and best steward their resources!
In 2021, eduKenya purchased a plot of 15 acres in Mitaboni, Kenya with plans to develop the area into the future long-term home of Chelezo High School.
With architectural designs laid out for the future school, they wondered: how can they prepare for what’s to come and maximize their resources now? The idea for a sustainable farming project was born. By building necessary infrastructure and growing the most efficient crops, they could implement their harvest into eduKenya’s Feeding Program, and sell additional, highly-profitable crops on the market to funnel resources into our operations.
But every farmer knows, there is no growth where there is no water. That's where we have been able to lend a helping hand.
After sharing their vision with us, we have agreed to support the drilling of a borehole well, as well as the installation of a solar-powered pump to irrigate the land and serve edukenya's students for decades to come. We invite you to come along with us as we update you every step of the way.
Step one: complete
Soil Testing
Step two: Complete
Borehole Drilling
The borehole was drilled on Monday, 11/04!
Their water source is located 240 meters deep. By digging a borehole, they will access a sustainable, environmentally friendly water source that will nourish their crops and students for years to come.
step three: Complete
Water Testing
Once access is gained, the next task is ensuring the water is safe. Water testing allows them to learn the chemical make up of the water as well as the microorganisms present. If the water is not within normal parameters, additional attachments will be needed.
Step four: We are here
Infrastructure & Irrigation
Once drilling is completed, their team will begin developing the exterior fence, irrigation piping, staff quarters, and other facilities. We anticipate this period lasting approximately 9 working weeks. Typically work in Kenya will stop for the holiday schedule, and we anticipate the contractor to stop work mid-December and pick back up in the first week of January 2025.
step five: incomplete
Pump Installation
Once the perimeter is in place, they will install the solar-powered pump, which will provide a long-term, cost-efficient power source.
Step six: incomplete
First Seeding
Upon completion of the irrigation system, security measures, and staff quarters, edukenya's team will be able to sow the first seeds and their feeding program will be locally empowered!
Step 7: incomplete
Harvest & Implementation
We anticipate our first harvest within 80-100 days of our first seeding. Once these foods are gathered and processed, we will introduce them to our students at Mawewa Preprimary, Mawewa Primary, and Chelezo High School!
Who is our new partner, Edukenya?
eduKenya is a movement of people that are driven by the love of Christ to have an impact on the world. It is a catalyst for change in a community languishing in abject poverty. They offer opportunity. A chance for the people of Mathare to break the cycle of poverty and transform their own community through the purposeful, transformative education of the next generation.