Our novitiate house has some projects that help to provide, especially food that sustains us. These projects have been a platform of learning and development for all the novices in our daily engagement in taking care of each of the responsibilities.
In the series of tasks that the novices in the International Novitiate -Njiro carry out, they can complete the plan they have for the good of the community, especially in the vegetable garden. The garden is well-maintained and produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are adequate and help reduce the cost of food. With the inclusion of modern technology, the drip irrigation system has eased the tough, tiresome work of watering and maintaining the garden since it is so efficient.
The rearing of chickens, rabbits, and pigs is also an effort towards life-sustaining projects in the novitiate. In the rearing of chickens, the novices receive one-day-old broiler and layer chicks and take care of them until they mature. The broilers are slaughtered for meat after three months. They also sell the surplus eggs and chicken to the neighboring community. The chicken project has been modernized by using cages. This saves much time and energy, which can be used in other activities, prevents waste, and has reduced the spread of diseases, hence reducing the need for medicines.
In rearing pigs, the novices rely on feed from leftover food from the school and community, banana leaves, and maize husks. This has been boosting their growth, together with deworming them every three months. The novices also slaughter them to provide a healthy and balanced diet.
The growth of the projects has reduced the cost of living since we can consume food free from chemicals, helping to make us physically fit and healthy. The poultry, piggery, and rabbits project is of great importance to the farm since they provide manure, which has helped the garden look attractive and flourish. Novices have been working hand in hand with workers, together with the support of their directress, Sister Mary Pascalia, to ensure that the projects sustain the community.
