The Centre has received almost all of the funds required to complete the rebuilding of the dormitories, kitchen, and dining hall that were lost in the fire. Donations so far total 11 million Kenyan shillings, $143,000 USD, out of the needed 13 million Kenyan shillings, $170,000 USD. Currently the foundation of the new buildings has been completed, and construction is continuing on the walls, beams, and pillars.
In other news, a local farmer donated 10 acres of farmland to the Centre for agricultural development. The Centre is allowed to use the 10 acres for a period of five years, with the option of purchasing 5 of the 10 acres the price of 190,000 Kenyan shillings per acre, $2,470 USD per acre. The cost for the 5 acres of land will total 950,000 Kenyan shillings, $12,340 USD. Currently the Centre has already begun work on the land, initially spending the first couple of weeks removing a few tons of stones from the land. They have also fenced the entire land and constructed an iron-sheet house and iron-sheet bathroom for the watchman. They are now in the process of plowing the land and planting the seeds for beans, maize, and hay. The seeds for these crops were donated through charitable contributions.
The estimated monthly savings from this land is approximately 50,000 Kenyan shillings, $650 USD. The ability to produce these crops will further the Centre’s ability to move towards self-sustainability, and will also help to provide the children with a proper and nutritional diet. The fundraising of the necessary money to purchase the land and to properly cultivate the food is one of our highest priorities. This project could provide the stepping stones for St. Paul Childrens Care Centre to truly develop into a self-sustaining home for these children. The land also offers the chance for some of the children interested in agriculture to participate in vocational apprenticeships. They will have the opportunity to learn various irrigation techniques, fertilizing techniques, as well as what types of crops can and should be grown on the type of land. We look forward to sharing more news with you as the land is cultivated.