Thanks to the generous support of many donors, family, friends, and volunteers, Damside was able to implement the start of the Hen Project! This included the construction of a shelter for the hens to lay their eggs, and the purchase of 100 hens. Once on site, they began to lay eggs to feed students and faculty, as well as serve as a commodity sold to the local community for income fed back into the school’s other projects and fees. The hen house was built to hold 300 hens, so as the project continues the plan is to up the inventory, as they say. Check out the status update below on the progress of this project according to Headmaster, Peter Mandela!
Currently 50 hens are on-site actively producing eggs. This has been a great experience so far and we are eagerly awaiting the delivery of 50 more!
100 hens would bring in roughly 300,000 ksh ($2,900 USD) with maintenance costs around 100,000 ksh ($969 USD). The return on investment is greatly encouraging for the future of Damside.
Parent volunteers and students help to care for the hens. This lesson in responsibility that comes with caring for an animal is invaluable to our students and community. Not only are they learning business skills, but discipline and kindness as well.
Some eggs will be used in the schools feeding program with the rest being sold at local markets - a great impact all around!
Future plans hold the potential to not only purchase even more hens, but breed our existing supply!