PROGRESS UPDATE -- 12/21/24 -- through all our donation platforms (including Facebook and personal checks) as of 12/21/24 we have received a total of $12,125 toward the matching challenge of $14,000!  Thank you so much!  We have until 12/31!!

MORE PHOTOS -- Click on "School Garden Project" under Recent Updates, to the right

Dear Friends of The Lion of Judah Academy,

Greetings in Jesus Matchless Name!

We are delighted that, once again in 2024, a generous donor has issued a dollar-for-dollar matching gift challenge of $14,000. And this year’s project is especially important and unique.

The purpose is The Lion of Judah Academy “School Garden Project,” explained below. Each undesignated contribution received between November 15, 2024, and December 31, 2024, will be matched dollar-for-dollar, to a maximum of $14,000. That will result in a total contribution to the School Garden Project of $28,000.

So...just what is, “The School Garden Project”?

Up until 2020 (which most of the world remembers as the year COVID hit...but which is also remembered in much of East Africa as the year devastating flooding hit Lake Victoria, one of the largest lakes in the world), The Lion of Judah Academy had a very successful garden project on the bank of Lake Victoria. It supplied a steady stream of fruit and vegetables for the students. However, those gardens were overwhelmed by the flooding. Millions of people all around the Lake were displaced...businesses were destroyed...the economic effects have been devastating. Each year there has been hope that the waters will finally recede...but almost five years later and there is still no relief and people have been forced to adjust to life in a very different environment.

At the same time food prices have soared. The combined effect on our school and students has been difficult to deal with.

So...in early 2024, a large plot of unused land was set aside to begin doing some experimental agriculture. With enthusiastic students providing the labor, and a few knowledgeable teachers providing guidance and wisdom, it succeeded beyond expectations. This fall six additional acres was added for cultivation, and the decision has been made to commit substantial resources to the School Garden Project.

The goals are two-fold:

#1 – the main objective is to expand and develop the project to ensure a sufficient supply of vegetables and fruit to the students...currently we cannot afford much in the way of vegetables, and virtually no fruit.

#2 – the secondary goal is to provide a practical learning platform for students to learn agriculture, so they are better equipped for their own futures (in the past, virtually all Tanzanian students were given training in agriculture as a normal part of their education, but that is no longer the case)

$14,000 will provide sufficient funds to build the needed irrigation system, build fencing, purchase tools, seeds and seedlings, manure and other important supplies.

Anything raised beyond $14,000 will be applied to the purchase of a new John Deere 75 horsepower tractor, through the Mwanza John Deere dealer (that’s right...there’s actually a John Deere dealer less than 2 hours from us!). Anything raised beyond the matching gift of $28,000 will also be applied to the purchase of the tractor! The total cost of the tractor is about $38,000, including basic farm attachments. A tractor will be an invaluable asset not only in agriculture, but also to help with drainage projects, road maintenance, construction and a multitude of other very important work.

Please prayerfully consider a donation to this project. Your gift will not only be doubled by the match, it will be an investment which will feed hundreds of children every year, for years and years to come.

 Thank you for prayerfully considering this important need!

The Lion of Judah Ministries is a 501(c)3 charity so all contributions are tax deductible.

To View Photos Please click on "Recent Updates", on the right side