Partnering for Sustainable Development

At Lift the Children (LTC), we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. This belief has inspired our partnership with the Grow Bio-Intensive Agriculture Centre of Kenya (G-BIACK), a renowned hub for sustainable agriculture and community development. Together, we are equipping young adults and directors of LTC-supported homes with the skills and knowledge needed to create lasting impacts in their communities.

Youth Empowerment Program (YEP): A Pathway to Self-Reliance

In 2024, we launched an exciting initiative in collaboration with G-BIACK: the 18-month Youth Empowerment Program (YEP). This transformative program is designed to equip 18 young adults from LTC-supported homes in Kenya, Uganda, and Liberia with practical skills in agroecology, textile production (tailoring and beadwork), food and beverage preparation, and computer applications.

The program emphasizes hands-on training, ensuring that participants not only learn but also practice skills that they can apply in real-world contexts. To qualify, participants were required to:

• Have completed high school and provide a certificate.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for agriculture and related fields.
• Commit to applying their skills in sustainable projects post-training.

By the end of the program, these young adults will be well-prepared to become self-reliant, start sustainable projects, and contribute to the economic and social development of their communities.

Monthly Directors’ Training at G-BIACK

In addition to YEP, LTC held its monthly training meeting at G-BIACK on 1st November 2024. This event brought together 64 participants, including directors and social workers from various children’s homes. The training, conducted by the expert G-BIACK team, focused on the principles of agroecology, waste management, organic manure preparation, indigenous seed saving and testing, and record-keeping in farming.

Participants had the opportunity to:

• Explore G-BIACK’s model farm and observe sustainable practices in action.
• Engage in theoretical and practical learning sessions.

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for LTC’s efforts to organize such an impactful training. These discussions continued in the LTC WhatsApp group, underscoring the enthusiasm generated by the event. The G-BIACK team, in turn, expressed gratitude for LTC’s mobilization efforts and committed to providing ongoing support to homes, including facility visits and further training, provided facilitation is arranged. Directors also received written manuals and were introduced to G-BIACK’s YouTube channel for additional resources.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Our partnership with G-BIACK exemplifies our shared commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment. By combining resources, expertise, and passion, we are creating opportunities for care leavers, directors, and communities to thrive. These initiatives are a testament to what can be achieved when organizations work together toward a common goal.

As we continue to build on this collaboration, Lift the Children remains dedicated to empowering lives and transforming communities. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the Youth Empowerment Program and the impact of G-BIACK’s training initiatives on our homes and communities.

For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media. Together, we are making a difference!