Sustainability Projects Empower Young Entrepreneurs in Ghana

At House of Grace–Ghana, innovation and education go hand in hand.

A new initiative has brought life to the campus in a surprising way—through fish, mushrooms, and rabbits.

Earlier this year, the home built and stocked dual-catfish ponds. What began with just 80 fingerling catfish has now grown into a thriving pond with over 1,500 fish, with the capacity to hold 2,500. The project was born from a desire to provide more protein on-site for the girls. After conducting research and visiting a local fishery, the idea became a reality. In March, when a team from Shorter University visited, the work officially began, and the ponds are now producing table-sized fish ready for meals.



For many of the girls, this experience is entirely new to them. Most come from the northern interior of Ghana, where natural fish sources are not available. Today, they take responsibility for caring for the fish and eagerly look forward to the first harvest. After school, some even gather around the ponds to relax, watching the fish swim—a reminder of what their hard work is producing.

The catfish ponds are just one part of a broader effort to make the home more self-sustaining. The girls are also exploring mushroom cultivation, also known as applied mycology. They have built a mushroom grow house and are experimenting with different species to determine which grows best in their environment. Rabbits complete the protein trio. Known for being sustainable, quick to harvest, and requiring little care, rabbits offer another valuable food source. Together, these projects not only provide protein but also reinforce the home’s reduce, reuse, recycle initiative, as food waste is repurposed for animal feed.

Teaching Sustainability and Entrepreneurship

But sustainability is only part of the story. These efforts also open doors for entrepreneurship. Around the world, agricultural enterprise programs empower young women, and the girls at our Houses of Grace are experiencing this firsthand. They have visited farms, ridden horses at agritourism sites, toured egg-production facilities, sorted fresh tomatoes, and ground corn into meal. Their education is extending well beyond the classroom, equipping them with practical skills that can one day support their families and communities.

Education Beyond the Classroom

Because of the faithful support of donors and sponsors, the girls at our Houses of Grace can pursue their education for as long as they are capable. Alongside their studies, they are encouraged to think creatively, explore new opportunities, and flex their entrepreneurial minds. From vocational training in cosmetology and baking to sustainability projects involving catfish, mushrooms, and rabbits, these young women are acquiring the skills to build self-sufficient futures. These ventures may one day evolve into enterprises that not only combat hunger but also provide a meaningful income.

How You Can Help

You can play a vital role in the success of projects like these:

• Pray for the girls as they learn responsibility, creativity, and confidence through these sustainability programs.
• Give to support the daily needs of House of Grace, from education to food and vocational training.
• Partner with us to help the home continue providing a safe, nurturing environment where girls can thrive.