The G.R.O. Grannies welcomed G.R.O. members and the community to a Friday afternoon celebration to officially ‘open’ their new chicken coop!  Outfitted with locally-sourced insulation, new electrical wiring connected to hydro-power electricity, and rodent/weather proofed, the Grannies are ready to welcome their next new batch of chicks on August 1.  The new installations will allow the grannies to raise their day-old broilers in a secure, warm and rodent free location, decreasing mortality rates and increasing production (and profits).  The insulation and electrical wiring are keys to their success, as broiler chicks need to be kept at 96 degree temperatures.  Previously, the Grannies had relied on paraffin heaters ( a major fire threat) and had major rodent infestations that destroyed most of their food stores and spread disease.

They will hold an official ‘opening ceremony’ with their project beneficiaries later in August and will invite the community at large to view their unique poultry facility model for Lesotho.  The Grannies will begin their poultry production raising 200 chicks per month, with profits going to support the orphaned, chronically ill and elderly in their community.  Support their work by visiting www.grofoundation.org

With many thanks to Sharon Oatway and Verequest whose contribution made this construction possible.

Pre construction

Pre construction

Facility post-construction

Facility post construction

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The G.R.O. Artisans Collective now call room #39 at BEDCO their new ‘home’.  This well-placed retail location provides the artisans with a central location to create their beadwork and also serves as an ideal retail location.  More to come on the new workspace as it is still being set up!

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G.R.O. Artisans met with rural clay bead makers in the mountain regions of Lesotho to develop a partnership whereby the Artisans source their clay beads for their new African fusion line from rural artisans.  Look forward to new designs hightling the work of traditional craftsman using the clay of the mountain rivers!  Learn more about the artisans at www.grofoundation.org

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The G.R.O. Grannies distributed 144 pairs of reading eye glasses to the eldery in their community this month.  We would like to thankEyes on Africa for supplying The G.R.O. Foundation with the glasses! Lean more about the Grandmothers Support group at www.grofoundation.org

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The Grandmothers Support Group will begin construction on their refurbished poultry facility using locally-sourced organic materials to improve insulation within the building.  Jason worked with the Grandmothers weekly to strengthen their business plan and this project is now 100% self-sustaining.  Thank you again to those who supported their first purchase of chickens – they now raise 200 per month!  We now look forward to developing their water catchment system, collecting preciously scarce water in Lesotho.  The Grannies continue to provide home-based care within their community and as the primary caregivers for many of the chronically ill and elderly, they would like G.R.O. supporters to continue helping them with medical care kits.  Kit supplies can be sourced for $100 for two months of community care.    Future GRO development of this initiative include expansion to a secondary facility, and over the next 24-36 months, expansion into pig farming.

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2008 Family Scholarship graduate Marosa holds her acceptance letter to the National University of Lesotho.  She will study business education and begin her coursework in early August 2009.   Congratulations Marosa!

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