Upcoming Projects by the Mother Maryam Foundation

Two new projects planned are a beekeeping project and a chicken-raising project. Students at the UT College of Business have prepared business plans and fundraising proposals for these projects.

The bee-keeping project will train farmers and village women to keep bees for honey production. The honey will enhance the nutrition of their families and selling honey in nearby markets will provide additional income to the families.

The bee-keeping project is commencing. Bees Abroad, a UK-based charitable organization that offers training and support in beekeeping in order to enhance nutrition and economic opportunities in developing areas, has provided critical support to the project. Pamela Gregory of Bees Abroad visited the village in February 2011 and conducted a preliminary feasibility study, identifying local sources of bees and materials to make hives. An authority on bees, Sabah Abdalwahab of University of Khartoum, will implement and supervise the project. Beekeeping will be introduced in the village in October 2011, when the weather is amenable. The pilot project will be supported by a generous contribution by the Warren Skaagen Foundation pledged by Trustee Amon Burton.

The chicken-raising project is to assist women in raising chickens for egg and meat production. The eggs and chicken meat will enhance the nutrition of their families. Selling eggs and chickens in nearby markets will give a source of income to the women, to help them provide for their families.

Students at the UT College of Business in 2009 prepared business plans and fundraising proposals for these projects. Mother Maryam Foundation is still seeking support for both of these projects.