I observed these women clearing a field adjacent to the Good Shepherd Hospital in Tshikaji. They consist of nurses, workers, and patients who have recovered. Pastor Jacky explained that the farm project is to help vulnerable children abandoned by their families at the hospital and malnourished children. The hospital does not pay the women, though they receive food or other necessities instead of charity.
There were many moringa trees near the hospital, and I subsequently learned that they use the leaves of moringa trees for health purposes, especially for the malnourished. They will plant soybeans in the garden as they have a lot of protein and are more preferred.
This farm project wants to acquire a press to make and sell walnut kernel oil. The workers also make soap to sell and help the sick. They use the waste from the process as pig feed for the pig-raising project they have started.
The Good Shepherd Hospital tries to find ways to help everyone they can. If you would like to help with buying seeds, supplies, an oil mill, or food, please go to www.imck.org
