Uyo, in Nigeria's Akwa Ibom state, is a region characterised by widespread poverty, a lack of appropriate facilities for the mentally ill and a strong stigma surrounding these health problems, which are considered a ‘curse’. 

The Daughters of Charity have been present in Nigeria since 1963. The Providence Home for the Mentally Destitute Women, founded in 1986 and run by the sisters, takes in and cares for mentally ill women and their children. 60% of patients are rejected by their families. 

Limited financial resources to provide adequate care for women

"The centre struggles to finance the daily needs of 24 sick women and their children, as food prices fluctuate sharply and medicines are expensive. Sustainable sources of income are inadequate: occasional donations are not enough to ensure the long-term survival of our centre. The stigmatisation and isolation of the mentally ill, who are very often marginalised, limits their reintegration and discourages outside support". Sr ElmaMary

The aim of the project is to set up a poultry farm to :

- generate income: the sale of eggs and poultry will finance care (medicines, nurse, social worker and psychiatrist) and food for the suffering women and their children (72 adult meals a day)
- Improving self-sufficiency: reducing dependence on external donations by producing locally essential proteins for meals
- involve the community: the farm will provide training and work opportunities for volunteers and patients' families.

The future vet and the location of the henhouse

The beneficiaries are the centre's 24 resident women and their babies.

"We aim to be self-sufficient in 3 years. This model can be replicated and we will share it with other Daughters of Charity centres. We are also planning to create a vegetable garden..." Sr ElmaMary