"FamiliaMoja" (Engl. "One Family") is the initiative of two teacher families in central Kenya who have given a name to their vision of an independent educational institution for children from destitute families - a name that translates from Kiswahili as "one family". The aim of these two families is to build a school for the needy that does not charge school fees to its students and yet is self-sufficient in the long term.

The project "FamiliaMoja" can succeed by building up an agriculture focused on sustainability, which not only feeds the school (students, teachers, workers) but also generates surpluses for sale. The aim is to establish an ecological recycling system that supplies the educational institution with food, biogas and water - and thus enables long-term financial independence.

"FamiliaMoja" wants to be a place of education that makes exemplary use of the potential of local resources and at the same time shares innovative knowledge about environmentally friendly agriculture and lifestyle - with its students as well as with all interested people in the surrounding area.

A detailed description of the vision and the background of this project can be found here.

The foundation has been laid

After eight attempts and countless night shifts, our Kenyan team succeeded in having the "FamiliaMoja" concept registered and certified as a community based organization (CBO).

Next steps

Step 1: November 2020: Purchase of land: 35,000-45,000 euros
As a non-profit organisation, a piece of land (1-2 ha, expandable) is purchased, where access to water is guaranteed all year round. The prices for this vary greatly - depending on the location.

Step 2: from January 2021: construction of natural huts (3-5)
In order to be able to establish a profitable farm, small huts are built from natural materials, so that the first income can be generated by renting.

Step 3: 2021: Establishment of a sustainable ecological farm
This farm is the basis for building a free school. It includes fruit and vegetable growing (the focus must be determined according to the location of the property), cows, goats, chickens, water supply (borehole or pumping system from the river) and a biogas plant.

Step 4: 2022: Construction of the first classroom and start of school operations