Projects
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2017 Project
2017 proved to be a busy year for St. Martin's Kids as we strive to improve the conditions and sustainability at St. Martin's Orphanage.
Here is a recap:
Here is a recap:
- One significant improvement was the installation of a biogas system that furnishes cooking fuel for meal preparation. This has been a great time and cost saver, as well as improving the respiratory health of the women cooking, since fumes are not being inhaled from the previously used wood stoves.
- 3 cows were purchased not only for milk, but to produce the necessary ingredient in the manufacture of the methane fuel.
- The mamas now have uniforms to wear while working at the orphanage and can save their own clothes from the wear and tear that comes from caring for the children.
- Grain was purchased after harvest, when prices are low, and stored in the silos. This grain will provide an entire year's worth of nutrition for the children living at St. Martin's.
- Your continuous support supplied funds to purchase new clothing, new mattresses, bedding, and mosquito netting.
- The hiring of two new teachers for pre-school, kindergarten, and religious education.
2016 Project
Every year SMK consults with Sr. Helena as to what improvements are needed at the orphanage. This year the goals include:
Biogas originates from bacteria in the process of bio-degradation of organic material under anaerobic (without air) conditions. Methanogens (methane producing bacteria) are the last link in a chain of micro-organisms which degrade organic material and return the decomposition products to the environment. The purchase of 2 new cows, in addition to the ones already at the orphanage, will contribute to the organic matter needed to feed the bio-digester.
The biogas produced will be used as cooking fuel for food preparation and further the sustainability of the orphanage.
- grain purchase after harvest to be stored in the silos
- bonuses for the mama's who care for the children
- 2 new cows,
- a pre-paid medical card so that the children can be treated at the local hospital when the need arises; this is similar to a debit card
- a biogas system
Biogas originates from bacteria in the process of bio-degradation of organic material under anaerobic (without air) conditions. Methanogens (methane producing bacteria) are the last link in a chain of micro-organisms which degrade organic material and return the decomposition products to the environment. The purchase of 2 new cows, in addition to the ones already at the orphanage, will contribute to the organic matter needed to feed the bio-digester.
The biogas produced will be used as cooking fuel for food preparation and further the sustainability of the orphanage.
What does a Biogas System look like?
Here is the basic design
Here is the basic design
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The benefits of biogas includes low cost energy for cooking and a reduction of air pollution
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Agriculture improves through the use of potent bio-slurry as a fertilizer
2015 Project
Silo Construction for Grain Storage
One of our budget items for 2015 was the purchase of grains for a year and construction of metal silos for grain storage.
Grain is purchased in large nylon or burlap sacks that must be aired once a month to remove bugs, mold, mildew, or other insects that render the grain inedible. Approximately 30-40% of harvested grain is lost each year due to improper storage.
Metal silos provide an airtight environment that will allow the grain to remain bug and mildew free and provide food for the children.
St. Martin's Kids partnered with Grace Community Development & Education, under the guidance of Mike Caraway and Martin Houle, and the Diocese of Sumbawanga to train local artisans in the fabrication of metal silos for grain storage. Training was conducted by Benjamin Njue of CYMMT. Ben traveled from Kenya to facilitate this event, that not only provides food the children at St. Martin's, but also has empowered these local artisans with a skill that will allow them to earn a living and help in reducing the food shortage in the area.
Training took place May 1-9, 2015.
Grain is purchased in large nylon or burlap sacks that must be aired once a month to remove bugs, mold, mildew, or other insects that render the grain inedible. Approximately 30-40% of harvested grain is lost each year due to improper storage.
Metal silos provide an airtight environment that will allow the grain to remain bug and mildew free and provide food for the children.
St. Martin's Kids partnered with Grace Community Development & Education, under the guidance of Mike Caraway and Martin Houle, and the Diocese of Sumbawanga to train local artisans in the fabrication of metal silos for grain storage. Training was conducted by Benjamin Njue of CYMMT. Ben traveled from Kenya to facilitate this event, that not only provides food the children at St. Martin's, but also has empowered these local artisans with a skill that will allow them to earn a living and help in reducing the food shortage in the area.
Training took place May 1-9, 2015.
