Huruma Children's Home Protein & Composting
Huruma Children's Home is an orphanage located in the Olkeri Village, near Ngong Town in Kenya. This is, unfortunately, an area of the world where poverty, poor health, HIV/AIDS and massive unemployment are major challenges for citizens - with many children orphaned at young ages, or families that do not have the means to provide and care for them. At Huruma, they care for more than 150 orphaned children ranging from newborn to 18 years of age - providing them with shelter, food and an education. Additionally, they provide an education for 100+ additional children from the local village - which includes a much-needed meal during the day that they otherwise may not receive.
Keeping this many mouths fed on a daily basis is costly. To manage these costs, the children's diets are mostly starch-based, with very little protein or other micronutrients. As a result, the children can have higher rates of malnutrition; stunted physical and cognitive growth; and/or experience reduced energy, immunity and concentration.
our role
With the help of many generous donors and volunteers, we raised more than $4,000 to assist with our project. A group of seven self-funded volunteers traveled to Ngong, Kenya in November 2012 and accomplished the following:
- Purchased 100 chickens to provide eggs and increase Huruma's protein sources
- Built a compost bin and helped the leaders at Huruma to understand how it’ll improve their soil for growing vegetables
- Donated laptops and jump drives to children's University students
- Traveled to Nacchu, the 5-acre lot that was recently gifted to Hurma, and scoped it out for future projects and learned about Mama Zipporah’s vision for the land
- Shared and explained a report on their current soil
the outcome
FMFM knew that with small changes, like introducing protein and vegetables into the children's starch-rich diet, we could make a dramatic effect on cognition and behavior.
We helped Huruma "feed mouths" by providing the means for a more balanced diet; and "fill minds" by providing computers that would enable and further learning.
““I was so impressed by the progress that Mama Zipporah has made since my last trip to Huruma. The garden, greenhouse, use of methane gasses, and the boys new dorm blew me away. Most of all the happiness and joy that I saw in the children inspires me to be a better person and to be more appreciative of the many blessings in my life.”
“I was very impressed by the warmth and hospitality from all the children and staff. The spirit of Huruma is very strong and Mama Zipporah’s vision and energy for all the children is amazing.”
