The Farm

A unique training resource in Atlixco, Mexico for abandoned children with learning disability

Emmanuel l with a lamb

A variety of small scale productive projects have been developed and established such as:

Rabbit meat
Sheep rearing,
Egg production,
Biodynamic vegetable production,
Combined vegetable/forage intercrop,
Combined orchard/forage production,
Production of staples.
Worm compost production,
Cheese-making
Bread-making
Fish rearing in irrigation pond,
Continuous soil improvement,
Seed selection.
Biological sewage treatment
Trees as windbreak
Forage hedge for livestock

Dorper/Romanov lamb

One of the first Dorper-Romanov-Pelibuey lambs.

Self sufficiency in Mexico

A key feature of the project run by Mexico Child Link is the unique training opportunity provided by a small working farm in Tenextepec, Atlixco. Two adobe houses, home to 12 abandoned children and young people with learning disability, are situated in 2.5 acres of rich agricultural land in the valley of Atlixco, overlooked by the famous volcano Popocatépetl. The farm provides the children with a peaceful environment to live in, away from Puebla and the dangers of life on the streets. They can witness events such as the birth of a lamb and experience the benefits of a more peaceful environment. The farm, based upon elements of Permaculture & sustainable agriculture, provides a degree of self sufficiency for the project and allows the children to learn practical skills. The children learn to look after sheep & goats and they also help with the sowing and harvesting of crops such as sweet potato, maize, peanut and avocado.

The project uses a system of sewage treatment which recycles waste water for agricultural use. The semi-cleaned water, rich in nutrients, is used to irrigate fruit trees and forage crops & does not add to environmental degradation. The resident children are taught to use basic farm tools, as well as to care for a range of animals such as chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep. The children learn different skills and are divided into groups according to ability and interest. These skills help them to find meaningful employment as adults or will enable them to look after domestic animals of their own.

The project currently has a flock of around 60 Pelibuey sheep, bred from 8 animals purchased in 1997. A local sheep producer donated a Dorper-Romanov stud ram to the project in 2001 and a programme of genetic improvement of the Pelibuey stock is underway. The project plans to sell stock for genetic improvement of local flocks. This will provide the project with an income stream and promote its sustainability.

Approximately 1000 trees have been planted on the project site, including many fruit trees and native Mexican species such as Guaje. (leucaena)

solar panals

Hot water is produced by solar water heating panals. These were recently replaced with a grant from the Volkswagen Foundation. (Fundación Comunitaria)

Help maintain the farm - make a donation

Would you like to pay for the irrigation water at the farm?

Contact us: