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GSA Students Excited About New Agricultural Programs

animal husbandry and farming projects

Before a shovel hit the ground or a single brick was laid, Good Shepherd Academy co-founders, the Rev. Canon Elizabeth Geitz and the late Sister Jane Mankaa, developed the outline for the school they envisioned. Using the model of the Putney School in rural Vermont, GSA would combine academic excellence with real life work experience and the mission to help others.

students develop a well-rounded view of their world and the skills to prosper

Students preparing to give vitamins to the chicks.

Skill Development Both Within and Outside the Classroom

Good Shepherd Academy is unique among Cameroonian secondary schools. An emphasis on sustainability, community building, and diversity helps students develop a well-rounded view of their world and the skills to prosper. At the core of this diverse program is the on-site campus farm.

Acres of vegetable fields, a piggery, new poultry and fish farms give students the opportunity to grow their own food as well as provide for the sale of excess crops and meat to benefit the school and local community.

A Future of Agricultural Sustainability in Cameroon

Agricultural sustainability is crucial in a country where 42% of gross domestic product is attributed to food production. Each student spends a part of everyday in crop maintenance and animal care. Accounting and entrepreneurial skill development assure that some students, who will enter the agricultural workforce, will be fully prepared for their future.

With a new chicken coop, fish ponds under construction and a possible greenhouse planned for the spring, even more opportunities exist for students to become grounded in farm management.


Agricultural Grants Received!

We are thrilled to share the good news that Good Shepherd SLF has received two significant Agricultural Grants as gifts to the Sister Jane Mankaa Memorial Fund.

Donor Marty Jeiven generously donated the construction costs to build two state-of-the-art Fish Ponds to be stocked with 6,500 fingerlings, as well as funds to feed the fish until they grow to maturity (8 months). Stay tuned for pictures; construction is just beginning.

The Alleluia Fund in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, one of the initial supporters of Good Shepherd Academy, donated the cost of a Poultry Farm which includes a chicken coop, chicks, feed, and vitamins.

The existing Piggery and new Poultry and Fish Farms comprise our Animal Husbandry program that addresses three specific needs: 1) Hands-on learning from a certified agricultural teacher 2) Food security to feed our growing student body and 3) Entrepreneurial training with income for GSA from the sale of excess meat.

We are honored and blessed at the generosity of our donors!


portrait

Welcome to the Board

Join us in welcoming David Farrand to the Good Shepherd SLF Board of Directors. David is a former Managing Director of Morgan Stanley, (ret.), Trustee & Chair of the Investment Committee of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, and more.

He chairs our campaign for the Sister Jane Mankaa Memorial Fund that will enable new program development and support, scholarship funding, animal husbandry and farming projects, desk top computers, lab supplies, and other needs as they arise.

As we welcome David, we bid a fond farewell to Dr. Christina Kales who faithfully served on our board for 5 years as Development Director. We are blessed indeed to have such dedicated members of our All Volunteer Board who tirelessly “labor in the vineyard” with deep commitment and dedication to our students.

 


Increase Your JoySister Jane filled with joy over the possibilities for her students

Forty-two of you have already Increased Your Joy with gifts to the Sister Jane Mankaa Memorial Fund and we are truly grateful!

April 1st marks the one-year anniversary of Sister Jane’s death.

Keep her vision alive with a donation today to the Sister Jane Mankaa Memorial Fund as a special anniversary remembrance.

Make a Donation Now >>

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