What are the goals of this project?
The goals are to promote long-lasting food security by physically working alongside Orphanage caretakers, teaching them more effective farming methodologies as well as by introducing crop variety to improve nutrition amongst the kids in the Orphanage.
What does "Food Security" actually mean?
Food security exists when people simply have reliable access to safe and nutritious food at all times.
How did this all start?
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Northen Thailand and connect with a group of people who were helping to launch this project, which was unfortunately stalled due to lack of sufficient funding. I am currently back in the States
trying my hardest to build up awareness and raise funds such that this work can continue, and will ultimately be returning to Thailand to assist with the work.
Recently, the Sustainable Harvest volunteers were able to sit down with the founder of the Orphanage in Mae Tawo, Thailand, and she was extremely supportive and excited for these projects to move forward.
Tell me about the Orphanage...
Safe Haven Orphanage is located in a town called Mae Tawo near the Thai-Burmese border. The place was founded in 1987 by a Karen women who lost both her father and husband as a result of the ethnic violence occuring the region. She has devoted her life to
establishing a solace for parentless children, the majority of which are Karen refugees. There are currently 67 children living together as one big family. They rely solely on personal donations to run the Orphanage. We were lucky enough to spend some time
getting to know the founder as well as the kids and it is truly a great cause to help out with. Introducing more steady and nutritious food supply will go a very long way in securing the health and futures of the children.
Please Help!
Sustainable Harvest, comprised of just a few devoted individuals, is just starting out and we plan on first launching our efforts with this wonderful Thai Orhpanage. Depending on the success of the project, which is in large part dependent upon outside donations
for sustainability, this can become a wide-reaching effort that will affect the lives of thousands and thousands of people in the region.
For additional information or background, please don't hestitate to contact Katy at [email protected]
I encourage you to visit the Safe Haven Orphanage's website at http://safehavenorphanage.org.
$3,500 Tipping Point Goal
The funding of the project comes
solely from personal donations made by generous donors. Every contribution helps and will go directly to purchasing the requisite tooling and seeds needed for the success of the initiative, including the support of the transportation costs
for the individual volunteers.
We intend to push forward a series of projects in the Orphanage to enhance their ability to not only produce food for themselves and introduce additional vitamins and minerals and protein sources.
If we were to reach our tipping point, we would be able to accomplish Phase 1 of helping out the Orphanage. This would entail introducing new sources of protein, providing much needed anti-malaraial
medications, conducting the necessary dirt work to prevent the seasonal flooding, and allow us to make rice donations which is a staple for the Orphanage. This period would also entail working alongside the Orphanage staff to educate and train them on fish/frog
farming methods and on how to improve the brood stock health. After about 3 months, they should be self-sufficient and autonomos in its future production of food.
However, the good should not stop there! Should we reach out ultimate goal we will be able to accomplish our goals for the entire pilot program which will include additional donations for the Orphanage, as well
as continued support and introduction of new crops.
Here is an idea of where the donations will go:
- Alternate Protein sources...Fish/Frog Farming Introduction: An influx of new stock will cost about $160 for frogs (they mature in about 3 months, resulting in a high turnover rate and production
of a large amount of offspring), and $80 for catfish (most robust and and grow quickly). There are ponds available at the Orphanage for this purpose.
- Seed Variety for Improved Nutrition: We will introduce different species of tomato plants (heirloom, open pollinated varieties); giant pumpkins, giant cabbages, and Egyptian beets. Average cost
of seeds delivered in bulk will be $160 per package. Open/pollinated seed group from reliable seed sources are essential for the perpetuation of healthy food groups as they are high in vitamins for the developing children.
-There is need for basic hand tools and equipment to clear the available land and allow for more groundbreaking to take place. The cost of hand tools needed are about $380.
- Sprout introduction to supplement the vitamin intake will cost about $350.
- Rice - a large bag of rice (30-45 kilos) costs $25. This is a stable in the region.
- Dirt work to prevent flooding: There is a serious risk of flooding at the Orphanage due to its location and the heavy monsoon rains. The dirt work to address this would cost about $250, which
would basically just stem flow; an additional $475 would enable us to purchase culvert for stronger blockage. This will help to shore up the river bank facing the Orphanage with sand bags and prevent the place from overflowing completely.