Smallholder Poultry Project for Vulnerable Youth

In Kenya, a major problem is addressing the needs of orphans, some of whom are HIV Positive and many of whom are left in the care of older orphan siblings or adult relatives. Often elder siblings must drop out of school to support their family by earning income or providing food, which can be overwhelming. This project by Father John W. Waldrep, M.M., attacks this issue from two sides.

First, it addresses economic empowerment and food production. Participants in the project will receive training in smallholder poultry farming, 10 chickens and three roosters. By supplying the adolescents with vaccinated chickens, general understanding of chicken health, and skills and supplies to administer vaccines to the chickens, it is expected that one of the greatest obstacles to making money from smallholder poultry farming will be solved.

Phase two of the project deals with psychosocial support for the adolescents.