Last year was challenging for many people all over the world. Europe with the economic crisis and East Africa with the drought and famine.
Eggs For Education have also come across some bumps along the road (although the year started out fine with the successful fundraising and some acquired stipends to support our projects). In the poultry farm at Kisugu Primary School, Eggs For Education and members of the poultry farm committee have evaluated the project. Some identified challenges include:
- The dramatic increase in food prices for the chickens which lead to almost a doubling on feeding expenditure. This was not something expected from our side and once the food prices had gone up, it was out of our control. The chickens still needed to be fed!
- Unfortunately for us, the price of eggs and chicken meat did not increase to the same extent which lead to some financial losses for the project.
- Unclear areas of responsibility at the poultry farm project.
- The neglect of some duties and tasks at the farm which has resulted in negative outcomes. For example, the hens were supposed to be given be egg booster to lay big eggs, but were not given this in time which meant that the first eggs that were laid were small and had to be sold at a low price.
- The funds that Eggs For Education raised were not enough to buy 1000 chicks as was planned. In fact, because of price increments, Kisugu Primary School has had to struggle to sustain the poultry farm.
- The hens are not laying as many eggs as expected.
Mistakes have been made on both sides and we have all learnt a lot. Our hope is that feed prices go down so that the school can invest in a new batch of chickens. Waiting for the right time is important. The unanimous decision for the future is to go with layers, as broilers weren’t as profitable as expected.
Together with members from the poultry farm committee we have decided to reduce on the members of the committee so that only two teachers are part of it and that these teachers will receive an allowance for their good work. By reducing the committee we hope that roles and responsibilities will become clearer and an allowance is rightful seeing as teachers have been volunteering. With all the regular duties that teachers have, we really understand that some form of extra reward or salary is needed and motivates people to get involved in the farm.
What still keeps us going and motivated is our objectives:
- To create an economically sustainable project for poor students at the school, and that the profits will help facilitate their schooling.
- That the project will contribute to a more nutritious school lunch by serving eggs to the students.
- That the students will gain practical skills in poultry rearing and sales, which are useful experiences for future livelihood security.
We feel that it is important to present these challenges publicly on our website and if anything is unclear or if you need more information about anything, please contact us. Our email address is info@eggsforeducation.com
Project or fundraising ideas are also very much welcome!
