Initiative supports youth who live at mission

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Makululu, located in Kabwe, Zambia, have increased their agriculture production over the last two years. A farm initiative is ensuring healthy food for the youth hosted by the mission, reducing food costs, generating income through the sale of surplus produce, and creating employment opportunities for the local population.

The initiative is being carried forward through cooperation between the Salesians and a broad network of international donors, including several Salesian Mission Offices.

With the support, the project now includes a truck, a tractor and a range of agricultural machinery that make fieldwork easier. There is an orchard with more than 300 trees of different varieties and a large vegetable garden, equipped with wells and water tanks to keep crops irrigated at all times.

In addition, there are two houses for agricultural workers and two large buildings that serve both as storage for feed and equipment and as poultry houses. They currently accommodate 2,800 free-range chickens and laying hens, with capacity for more. The current production is about 1,500 eggs per day. There are also 11 fish ponds, each designed to raise approximately 5,000 fish, a pig farm with around 100 pigs, a flock of 50 ducks, and a herd of 50 goats.

Father Piotr Gozdalski, a Polish Salesian missionary serving in Makululu, explained, “This is a truly important project for the Salesians in Zambia. It is not simply intended to make the center self-sufficient, but it supports youth welcomed at the Makululu home, especially those who have lived on the streets. If managed well, it can readily sustain the Salesian center and become an example for other Salesian centers. We must take personal responsibility and work hard to support our missions.”

He added, “Fruit and vegetable production is organized in cycles to ensure a continuous supply. The garden is not intended for mass production and sales. Its primary purpose is to provide fresh vegetables for our children. We are now fully self-sufficient in vegetables, pork, eggs and fish.”

The development of the farm has also sparked strong interest and positive responses within the local community. Fr. Gozdalski said, “Many community members come to visit our land and follow the progress with great interest. The project shows that sustainable agricultural development and the gradual improvement of living conditions are possible even in difficult circumstances.”

Fr. Gozdalski concluded, “I had dreamed of creating a project like this for years, but in the past the ideas I proposed were never put into practice. Perhaps people thought it could not be done. Now we have shown that it can be done. Above all, it teaches us that we must take the initiative and work tirelessly for youth, especially the poorest among them.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Zambia – Two Years of Dedicated Work Are Now Bearing Fruit: Makululu Agricultural Project Becomes an Example for All

Don Bosco Makululu

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia