Programs.

Our Programs.

Family Support.

 

Two children's homes are located on the farm property for orphaned and vulnerable children. One for girls and one for boys. The children benefit from a loving family atmosphere where all their needs are met. Mercy Touch supports graduates from the homes to receive post-secondary education or develop vocal skills. The children in the homes also partake in extra-curricular activities such as sports, exercise, cultural dance, craft-making for sales, as well as participate in empowering discussions. 

 

Community Outreach.

 

Mercy Touch operates a feeding program on the farm. In cooperation with a local clinic, Mercy Touch staff and volunteers identify malnourished children who can be included in the program to be restored to a healthy weight. Caregivers who bring their children to the feeding program receive a meal together with the children and participate in group discussions on child-care and family-related topics. Following the feeding program, caregivers receive soya protein supplements to mix into family meals during the week to help the children gain weight. Caregivers are also given the opportunity to partake in micro-loans and income generating activities (IGAs), such as chicken rearing. 

 

The outreach clinic, also located on the farm, was launched in 2014 to compliment and support the feeding program by taking care of children and their family members with unique health challenges, by supplying them with nutritious food supplements and basic medications. Other community outreach ventures include mentorship and support for disadvantaged girls in the surrounding community.

 

 

Farming & Sustainability.

 

The Mercy Touch farm was established in 2009 on 79 acres of land in the south of Ndola. Through the work of employed farmers, its purpose is to create a sustainable food source for the mission, and support business ventures, such as the Mercy Touch Enterprises, operating to bring in revenue for the ministry.

 

Various crops are grown on the farm including: corn maize, vegetables, ground nuts, bananas, other fruits, and more. Poultry and livestock such as goats, cattle, and pigs are raised, and large fish ponds are operated. An on-site hammer mill is used for grinding farm-grown maize grown by local farmers. 

Business Enterprises.

 

Mercy Touch runs business enterprises to bring in revenue for the organization. An example of this is the peanut butter made to sell for profit. The peanut butter is made with the groundnuts harvested on the farm. The mothers and children are trained on how to make peanut butter. There is a skills development centre is operating, where children, youth, and other graduates transitioning into adulthood have the opportunity to expand their skillsets and receive vocational training.

 

The organization has plans in the works to produce other items such as honey, meat products, traditional foods, and cooking oils to be sold for profit. Moreover, Mercy Touch will soon launch a local food delivery business to be operated by graduates and other youth in transition.