Why Chickens?

Clearly, there are many organizations that are currently working to improve some of major problems facing Africa today.  But this is a project that will have a tangible and direct effect on a smaller population with an identifiable need.  The donation of an inexpensive chicken to the orphans in Tanzania would provide quick and immediate help to the overtaxed orphanages:

1. As a nutritional resource

a.  eggs are a great dietary resource – one of the best sources of protein (better than that found in meat and fish) and also rich in vitamins and minerals such as choline, cholesterol, lutein and zeaxanthin.   

2.  As an economic resource

a.  money earned from the sale of the surplus can be used to buy necessary items for the orphans and orphanage (shoes, clothes, school supplies, medicine, blankets etc.)

3.  As a sustainable resource

a.  chickens lay eggs every other day

b.  chicks start laying their own eggs around six months of age (if not earlier)

c.  a chicken’s natural lifespan is about seven years

This means that the average chicken will lay about 1,200 eggs in its lifetime.  Plus, there are no limits to what the orphanage could do with these chickens.  The more chickens, the more possibilities for opportunities. 

Obviously, there are countless organizations that one could choose to work with and/or donate to.  However, not all donations make an immediate impact upon an organization, community or child. Although Good Hope is in need of many things (like larger sleeping areas and cleaner bathroom facilities), these types of improvements must be tackled on a different time frame and money scale than the direct assistance of an inexpensive chicken.