A year at Kira Farm Development Centre What a difference a year makes... Many young people in Uganda are full of potential, energy and talent, but they are trapped in a cycle of poverty. At Kira Farm we aim to change the mindset of the trainees, to help them see what they can do for themselves, and change poverty from the inside out. Over the course of one year, up to 50 trainees acquire the practical, emotional and life skills to lift their families out of poverty and become catalysts for change in their communities. "On Kira, I learnt to love myself, smiling and feeling beautiful for the first time in my life. Kira gave me hope that I did not need approval from anyone to be whatever I wanted to be in life. I learnt to dream again and plan for a better future." Jeiva CONSERVATION FARMING Despite having access to land, many trainees survive on just one meal a day. Conservation farming is the bedrock of what we do at Kira Farm. By applying eco-friendly techniques, subsistence farmers are able to multiply crop yields – ensuring everyone in their household has enough to eat, as well as a surplus to sell. With the extra income made from surplus crops they can set up businesses and work their way out of poverty. The sheer determination and hard work of previous trainees, often in the face of great obstacles, has seen them work their way out of poverty. This change can be exponential, as every young person passes on what they have learnt to their communities. VOCATIONAL TRAINING Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world and very high rates of youth unemployment. When there are no jobs to apply for, the most viable option for young people is to set up small businesses. During the 12-month course at Kira Farm, alongside farming methods, trainees can choose between learning tailoring, hairdressing, carpentry, construction and bike repairs; they also learn business skills to help them to start their own business. When a trainee comes to Kira Farm, we ask them to pay a small commitment fee. This helps to ensure their commitment to the programme and shows that they are willing to invest in themselves. The trainees don't know it when they arrive, but when they graduate, they are given their commitment fee back to them. They are invited to choose between having the money, or having the tools that they need to set up a business using the vocational skills that they have learnt, e.g. sewing machine or building or carpentry materials; at least 90% choose to take the equipment. LIFE SKILLS TRAINING We believe in holistic social transformation and throughout the year the trainees complete courses in character development, conflict resolution, biblical discipleship, health and hygiene, and nutrition. Many of our students come to us having faced conflict and abuse; through restorative justice, they learn to accept what they have faced and heal broken relationships with family members and their communities. "Seeing my parents sitting together and talking as adults has been my biggest achievement so far. My mother believing in herself, that she is unique, overwhelms me with joy." Beatrice Please select a donation amount (required) £5 Will help to buy vocational training materials £42 For £42 a month, you can sponsor a Kira Trainee £500 Sponsor a Kira Trainee with this annual, one-off payment Other Set up a regular payment Donate Manage Cookie Preferences