How a 17 year-old girl is transforming Western Kenya through a rabbit project

“As long as the structures and systems are working, I can focus on my studies and then spend time in Bukura when I close school,” says Laetitia

“Part of the income we get from the sell of rabbit meat has gone to a revolving fund where we lend cash to the Women Rabbit Association to do farming on their small pieces of land. This helps in improving food security.”

From her research, Laetitia discovered the rabbit hatch is a rich source of organic fertilizer and pesticide. Soon, the ladies started planting maize and sukuma wiki which supplemented their income.

By the time Laetitia was in form three, the Africa Rabbit Centre had a full time Project Manager and a Marketing Manager.

“As long as the structures and systems are working, I can focus on my studies and then spend time in Bukura when I close school,” says the bright student.

 Enter Leadership Academy

Meanwhile, in academics, Laetitia applied and got admission at the prestigious pan-African Secondary school – The African Leadership Academy (ALA), South Africa in 2012.

“Although they (interview panel at ALA) considered my academic performance, the fact that I was actively involved in community work, had leadership potential and entrepreneurial, favored my application,” explains Laetitia.

Laetitia says she has learnt much more than class work at ALA which has helped her manage her organization better. The emphasis on African studies, entrepreneurship and community mobilization and creating solutions has only helped her appreciate the Kenyan spirit.

“We were 12 Kenyans admitted in my year, which is a big number compared to other countries. Kenyan students are outstanding in every area including sports and school projects,” Laetitia says of her Kenyan school-mates.