Expanding Nutritional Outreach: Addition of Goats to the Feeding Program.

This report aims to highlight the recent development within St Ignatius Orthodox Child Care and Rescue Mission Centre that focuses on feeding destitute children. Fr. Samuel Macharia has recognized the nutritional benefits of goat’s milk and has invested in the purchase of two additional goats to supplement the existing herd of five. The sustained acquisition of goats will enable the provision of a regular supply of nutritious goat’s milk to the children in the feeding program.
One of the goals of the mission centre is to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among destitute children by providing nutritious meals. Realizing the significance of milk in achieving optimal nutrition, Fr. Samuel Macharia decided to incorporate a sustainable source of dairy products into the program. Goat’s milk, known for its high nutritional value, was chosen due to its readily available supply and various health benefits.

Acquisition of Additional Goats:
To enhance the feeding program, Fr. Samuel Macharia on Friday 25th August 2023, bought two goats to join their existing herd of five. These goats will be primarily used for their milk, which will be processed and provided to the children as an essential part of their balanced diet. Fr. Samuel Macharia plans to expand the herd further to ensure a consistent supply of goat’s milk, ensuring sustained nutrition for the children.

Reasoning Behind Goat’s Milk:
Goat’s milk has numerous nutritional advantages making it an ideal choice for supplementing the feeding program. Compared to cow’s milk, goat’s milk is often more easily digestible due to its lower lactose content. It contains high levels of essential nutrients such as proteins, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and D. Furthermore, it is rich in medium-chain fatty acids and oligosaccharides, which have positive impacts on gut health and overall immune function. By incorporating goat’s milk into the children’s diets, the organization can address malnutrition more comprehensively.

Benefits and Future Plans:
The introduction of goats to the feeding program offers several benefits. Firstly, the organization has created a sustainable source of milk, reducing dependence on external suppliers. By producing their own milk, they can provide a stable and reliable source of nutrition to the children. Secondly, by continually increasing their goat population, the organization can gradually expand their milk production capacity, reaching more children in need. Once there is over fifty dairy goats there will be room for producing dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt that can be used for consumption or for sell.

The organization plans to purchase more goats in the future to further enhance their nutritional program. This expansion will enable the organization to serve a larger number of destitute children by providing them with a regular supply of nutrient-rich goat’s milk. By continuing to invest in sustainable resources, the organization demonstrates its commitment to improving the overall well-being of these vulnerable children.
The addition of two goats to an organization’s existing herd showcases a proactive step towards combating malnutrition among destitute children. By harnessing the nutritional benefits of goat’s milk, the organization can provide a steady supply of this valuable resource, enhancing the overall nutritional profile of their feeding program. Through ongoing expansion, the organization aims to positively impact the lives of more children by ensuring access to nutritious food sources.

We would like to thank all those that have assisted and continuously assist the initiative for their support. We would like to call upon all those that are interested and willing to join the project to assist us in acquiring more dairy goats.