A group of four students will be trained to undertake pig-raising and mushroom cultivation using modern techniques. They will raise 15 pigs during the year and 7 tents containing 1000 mushrooms. The profits generated will be reinvested, some used for charity, some as savings for future education, and the remainder for daily student expenses. The success of the venture will be evidence of sustainability, for future local funding or loans and prevent any migration to the cities.
There are many poor students from subsistence farming families who are forced to migrate to urban areas after leaving school due to their family's inadequate agricultural skills and business opportunities. This pig raising and mushroom growing program will provide skills to students and youth and generate an attractive income, thereby preventing migration as they leave school.
This project will train students and youth in proven, small-scale agriculture, using minimal space to raise income and participate in sharing with vulnerable people. Additional income generating activities will be added as their knowledge expands. Profits will be used for: 1) reinvestment to ensure sustainability 2) savings for future (tertiary) education 3) charitable contributions 4) student daily expenses.
Success of the enterprise will be used as evidence to obtain additional funding for expansion of farming activities. Sufficient funds will be available for sustainable reinvestment, students will acquire savings for future education, funds for charitable contributions, and will have money to cover their daily expenses and move towards financial independence.
