Mustard Seed Communities is involved in numerous outreach programs geared at alleviating poverty by uplifting and empowering the local communities in which we serve. Through these programs, we are also able to develop cohesion between MSC homes and the surrounding communities. MSC offers numerous training programs and provides employment to over 460 local workers across all locations, with over 350 employees in Jamaica alone.
Potter’s House – Zimbabwe
In an effort to support local disadvantaged individuals of all ages, and assist them in becoming self-sufficient, MSC Zimbabwe has established a training centre called Potter’s House. The program teaches skills such as animal rearing, vegetable farming, candle making, baking and other basic employment training. Music, art and drama programs are also offered to locals.
Resource Centre – Nicaragua
The resource centre is part of our Christ in the Garbage Ministries (CIGM) program in Nicaragua. In addition to providing food packages, CIGM is focused on helping single mothers learn marketable skills in order to provide for their families. CIGM Nicaragua runs a Resource Centre (Centro de Recursos) near the dump offering pastry-making classes, English language lessons and offers day-care services for children while their mothers participate in classes.
Solving the entrenched issues of economic strife and lack of access to services in La Chureca will require years of assistance and development work. With the existence of CIGM, women have an option to learn a skill that gives them the ability to generate an income, and most importantly, gives them hope.
Pottery Studio – Jamaica
At My Father’s House, MSC Headquarters in Kingston, there is a Pottery Studio located on site. It is managed by an MSC employee and serves several functions within our organization. Primarily, the impressive array of crafts serves as income generation for MSC to help offset our operating costs. Patrick, the MSC potter, takes on local apprentices in his studio to encourage art and enterprise in the local community.