Farm provides food to youth, income for Children’s Home

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Makululu, located in the city of Kabwe, Zambia, has developed an integrated farm thanks in part to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The farm is benefiting the boys who live at the Don Bosco Children’s Home, as well as youth in Salesian primary and secondary schools and the local population. Close to 1,500 youth will have access to food from the farm.

The project of setting up the farm included fencing the land and the construction of two poultry shelters for 2,750 chickens, a duck shelter, two staff houses, and bathroom facilities for the farm. Funding was also used to purchase equipment, livestock, and feed for the animals, as well as a truck, tractor, and trailer. Salesians also set up an orchard and vegetable garden.

Finally, the project funded drilling two boreholes with water tanks and installation of a solar power system for security lights and freezers and refrigerators for food preservation.

The project was completed at the end of June 2026 and is fully functional. The chickens provide about 1,400 eggs a day, the garden provides fresh vegetables and the orchard will provide fresh fruits as soon as the trees grow.

A Salesian explained, “This project is a part of an integrated farm, and we already have a piggery with about 150 pigs. We produce our own sausages and provide meat for the children. We have 11 fish ponds that provide fresh fish. We are also about to complete the shelter for goats. In addition, the farm produces eggs, meat, fish, and vegetables that are sold to the local population. The income not only covers the expenses of running the farm, but also funds the Children’s Home.”

Bernard Tembo, a local resident, said, “The development of the farm has generated strong interest and positive reactions within the local community. Many community members visit the site and observe the progress with great interest. The project demonstrates that sustainable agricultural development and gradual improvement of living conditions are possible even under challenging circumstances. Particularly encouraging is the growing motivation among local community members to start small-scale agricultural activities themselves.”

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:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Don Bosco Makululu

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia