Sunbeam Farm
Aided by a comprehensive water irrigation system, the shamba (farm) produces fruit and vegetables for the children's home. These include sukuma (a bit like cabbage), sweet potatoes, carrots, watermelons, bananas, passion fruit, mangoes, grains and more.
In addition, Napier grass is grown to feed the growing herd of cows.
The Animals
Sunbeam animals include cows, goats, chickens, rabbits and donkeys and the children in Sunbeam home drink a glass of milk every day as an important part of their healthy diet.
Grinding maize and serving the community
Maize plants are grown on nearly every shamba and, once harvested, are dried out by laying them in the sun for days. Once fully dry, these must be ground into flour which is used to produce bread, chapattis and the staple food of ugali.
Grinding maize by hand is a labour and time intensive process. A Posho mill was purchased for Sunbeam to enable the maize to be ground mechanically. KSM also allow local families to bring their maize and have it ground for a small fee. Through this service, bridges are built and relationships developed with the local community.
