Studying and living at Kira Farm taught me valuable lessons like daily devotions, perseverance, and self-worth. I learned that I am valuable, unique, and created by God for a special reason.
Brian, 2022 Kira Graduate
Those who support Amigos will know that Kira Farm Development Centre is at the heart of our work. It serves as the base for the Amigos Uganda team, as well as a place of training and mentoring for many Ugandan young people every single year. In fact, over the years, hundreds of young people have lived there, embracing new experiences, learning new skills, developing character and being discipled for the future. For many graduates, this has enabled them to support themselves and their families as well as to invest in their local area, becoming catalysts for change in their communities. Below is the story of graduate Brian, who is doing just that.
Brian joined Kira Farm in 2022. After experiencing the loss of both of his parents as a young child, life was incredibly difficult. Brian had to work hard for his extended family, trying to grow crops to raise money to pay for his school fees, clothes, medication and anything he needed.
Before attending Kira Farm, life was tough, especially after losing both my parents at an early age. I struggled to have one meal a day and sometimes went hungry.
Brian describes feeling “proud to be chosen” to join Kira Farm. While on Kira, Brian enjoyed studying tailoring, building, discipleship, restorative approaches, and conservational farming.
“Studying and living at Kira Farm taught me valuable lessons like daily devotions, perseverance, and self-worth. I learned that I am valuable, unique, and created by God for a special reason. This boosted my confidence and improved my ability to deal and work with others. I am grateful to Kira Farm because they didn’t just teach me practical skills; their teachings positively impacted my attitude and behaviour.”
On his return home, he implemented conservation farming techniques. His successful yields compared to others in the village drew attention, leading him to train 15 people, including his family members, in these methods. Brian’s commitment to sharing his knowledge demonstrates his ongoing investment in his community.
Brian also started a tailoring workshop, generating an income of 20,000 Ugandan shillings per week, of which he saves 5,000 shillings weekly in the village saving group. His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond tailoring; he is training two young people in tailoring with plans to expand to a larger workshop in Lira town. Additionally, Brian practices mixed farming, growing maize and cassava on one acre each as well as rearing goats and chickens. Despite challenges posed by the intense Ugandan sunshine affecting his vegetables – spinach, tomatoes, and carrots, he remains dedicated to his agricultural passion.
In his original profile, Brian expressed a desire to marry. Reflecting on the lessons learned at Kira Farm about making wise choices, he mentions he is still waiting and praying for the right partner in the future.
We are so proud of how Brian is investing in his community and look forward to following his story long into the future.