Glory Centre Academy has been working towards self sustainability since its inception in 2016. The community of Seje is located in a region of western Kenya that receives little rainfall, so the plan to farm and produce maize, beans and vegetables to provide food for the school and income for operations has failed to produce consistent income.
In February of 2020 the school launched a new incentive, under the watchful eye of a trained and successful poultry operator, to raise chickens. Although the school has had poultry on the land since 2015, and staff members have learned the basics of poultry care and the benefits of having eggs and meat for the students, the involvement of the local poultry operator has taken the small project on to the next steps of growth.
Another goal is to develop a self-sustaining garden with the community providing labor on a rotational basis. Four acres near the Yala river will be leased for the location of the community garden. The garden will have an irrigation system to help produce maize, tomatoes, kale, cabbage, onions, beans and watermelons to sell in the market. The garden will also provide an opportunity to teach new farming techniques.
Selected parents and caretakers of children attending His Blessing School will be required to work one day a week for four hours. Grades 6/7/8 students will also work on the farm once a week as part of the school curriculum.
With investments from local and overseas partners, the project will continue to grow, bringing to fruition the dream of a self-sustainable school, community training, and small home hub operations to provide consistent income to the community and, in turn, develop the whole community.
During the growth stages the most pressing need is investment to bring Glory Centre Academy, and the community of Seje, into a place of profitability.
