Over the past years, Lift the Children has been training orphanages in a sustainable design science known as Permaculture Design. Through a holistic approach to solving common problems found in developing countries, this program has proven successful in improving the quality of life for the youth in these facilities while simultaneously reducing their operational costs.

Installations and intensive training workshops have demonstrated that the costs of running orphanages can be drastically reduced, while the health and wellness of both children and staff improve through higher quality food, water, and resource management. The program is comprehensive, covering water, food, kitchen, energy, and community interaction. However, sustainable gardening for on-site food production is the centerpiece of this program.

Lift the Children provided the directors and staff with the skills and knowledge to produce their own abundant organic food on an ongoing basis, creating not only essential nutrients for young growing minds to thrive but also endowing them with incredibly valuable skills that could lead many into a healthy career in sustainable agriculture in their adult life.

In 2013, Gathaithi OVC Centre was identified by Lift the Children as a suitable home to start a permaculture project, initiated by Aron Elton. The land, spanning almost 2 acres of undeveloped grass and dirt, was ripe for transformation into food-producing gardens and orchards. The staff and children attended a four-day introduction to permaculture workshop with full attendance, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for the program.

At the project’s inception, the land had minimal food production, with an existing caretaker conducting typical yet decent home-scale farming on the extreme east section near the main entrance. However, the inner courtyard held substantial potential for children’s vegetable gardens and space to design a more efficient animal care system, including ducks, goats, and chickens, with a small shallow pond for drinking.

Lift the Children team then constructed extensive raised bed gardens within the orphanage’s inner compound, totaling over forty-six in number. This effort included building a new barn, establishing a one-acre orchard and vegetable garden, and designating an impressive 1.7-acre field for further orchard expansion. A nursery and fencing system were also created, along with the renovation of a six-person guest room for future volunteers and students eager to develop their skills in this permaculture landscape. Additionally, our team trained a mentor group of eight graduate orphans who continued working with the children to ensure the success of the gardens and other systems.

Now, over ten years later, the project is still thriving, benefiting both the children in the orphanage and the surrounding community. The home has increased its food production by 60%, eliminating the need to purchase vegetables or fruits, as these are grown in their garden. Each child manages their own garden bed, handling all aspects of farming from planting to harvesting. This hands-on experience provides daily fresh vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, cucumber, eggplant, and onions, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in the children.

Thanks to the Lift the Children permaculture project, Gathaithi OVC Centre has enjoyed over a decade of food security and continues to thrive. The children’s dedication to their gardens is evident, as they require minimal supervision and take great pride in their work. This project stands as a testament to the power of sustainable agriculture in transforming lives and communities, ensuring a brighter, self-sufficient future for all involved.