Benjamin Musembi Kyengo, 58, loves to learn and used to dream of becoming a teacher. Unfortunately, his family did not have enough money for him or his siblings to go beyond primary school. But today, thanks to your support, Benjamin is learning again.
“I am ready to learn,” Benjamin said. “I like school, even today.”
He is part of the Food for All project and is receiving training, seeds and guidance using sustainable practices that will increase the profitability of dairy farms and alleviate chronic hunger and malnutrition.
Benjamin’s life has not been easy. He was left with two young children when his first wife and a son died from pneumonia. A devout Christian, Benjamin became a preacher and met his wife Serah while traveling with his church. Then, fate changed Benjamin’s life once more, but this time toward grace and healing. The couple adopted two orphans, Julius and Annastacia, after their father died of meningitis.
Being part of this project has opened up new opportunities for Benjamin and his family. With Heifer’s help, Benjamin developed a business plan to grow brachiaria, a high-protein, drought-resistant fodder used by dairy farmers. What once existed only on paper has now become a burgeoning business for Benjamin.
The business Benjamin devised with Heifer’s help is an additional blessing and fills a need in this community. While most dairy farmers grow their own fodder, they usually run out — giving Benjamin an opening to step in and fill that gap. Because brachiaria is drought-resistant, Benjamin doesn’t worry about his crops getting wiped out in this drought-prone area. And brachiaria actually increases milk yields, making it extremely beneficial to dairy farmers.
The family now earns nearly $400 from twice-yearly harvests. It’s enough to pay school fees for Julius and Annastacia. Benjamin also bought a motorbike and earns additional income giving people rides. Once he’s paid off the loan for the motorbike, he plans to expand his one-acre farm and learn more about agriculture.
Benjamin is happy to be learning new skills and cultivating a business that will sustain his family in the coming years.
Thank you for giving this loving family, and thousands more like them, a reason to look to the future with optimism and hope.
