Sustainability, Sponsorship and Security: The Boo Charity Secures Land for a Bigger, Better Shamba at Nyamache Life Skills Centre

The Boo Charity is proud to share a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to create long-term, sustainable change in rural Kenya. Thanks to the generous support of Bournemouth North Rotary and Norco, we have officially acquired two adjoining plots of land to expand and secure the Shamba (farm) at our Nyamache Life Skills Centre - a vital hub for food production, income generation and hands-on agricultural education.

The shamba and greenhouse, at Nyamache Life Skills Centre

Empowering Through Education: Nyamache Life Skills Centre

Nestled in Kisii County, the Nyamache Life Skills Centre is the heart of Boo’s work in Kenya. Established in the early 2000s, the centre was designed to break the cycle of poverty by offering free vocational training and life skills to young people who would otherwise be left behind. Today, it continues to provide courses in Dressmaking & Tailoring, Hairdressing & Beauty, Welding & Fabrication, Business and Computing - equipping students not just for employment, but for entrepreneurship.

What makes the centre truly unique is its integration of agriculture and business into every student’s learning. Whether a student is training to be a tailor or a welder, they also gain practical experience in farming and enterprise. This blended approach ensures graduates leave with both employable skills and the ability to grow their own food or start small home-based businesses - something particularly crucial in rural communities where formal employment is scarce.

Over the years, many alumni have launched their own successful ventures, from beauty salons and welding shops to computer cafes and even guesthouses. In turn, many of them return to mentor new students, creating a powerful cycle of learning and giving back.

Sustainability

The Shamba is central to the centre’s sustainability goals. It is a fully operational farm where students grow tomatoes, maize, cabbage, sukuma, carrots, and beans, and care for chickens, geese, and guinea fowl. Through their work, students learn essential skills such as planting, harvesting, crop management, and financial reinvestment.

The farm provides daily meals for students and staff, the surplus produce is sold locally, and the income is reinvested into the school. This supports everything from future planting cycles to classroom upgrades.

This practical approach to sustainability means students leave with more than a certificate. They gain real-world experience, self-confidence, and a clear understanding of how to support themselves and their families.

Sponsorship

The land acquisition and ongoing success of the Shamba would not be possible without the generous backing of two incredible local supporters: 

Bournemouth North Rotary is a longtime partner of Boo; they donated £10,000 in our early days, helping to construct the foundations and classrooms at the Nyamache Life Skills Centre. Their latest support continues a legacy of empowering thousands of young people across Kenya with access to education, vocational training and more crucially, opportunity.

Norco and its owner, Mark Northey, are valued sponsors and supporters, having shown sustained interest in Boo’s work over the years. Their support in this land acquisition has strengthened our ability to deliver long-term impact through agricultural education and food security. For which, we are incredibly grateful.

The new plot of land, secured with funding from Norco & Bournemouth North Rotary

Security

Previously, the Shamba operated on rented land, which made long-term planning difficult. Now, with the land officially purchased, we can expand our capacity to grow food, teach students, and support the community for years to come.

“Owning the land changes everything,” says Russell Hicks, Founder of The Boo Charity. “It gives us the freedom to invest in long-term growth, provide consistent nutrition, and build sustainable income streams. That’s absolutely vital in an economy where securing regular donations becomes more challenging each year.”

This acquisition is about more than land. It is about security, opportunity, and a lasting commitment to empowering the next generation in rural Kenya. With the Shamba now secured, we are excited to continue growing - both in harvests and in impact.