Educate & feed 300 children in Swaziland!

Introduction

As we conclude the second quarter of the year, we want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Your contributions have made a significant impact on the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in our care, providing them with essential preschool education and nourishing meals.

Program Highlights

Educational Support

Field Trip to Hlane Game Park:
All NCP children enjoyed an educational field trip to Hlane Game Park, where they had the incredible opportunity to see lions, monkeys, elephants, impalas, and rhinos. This experience not only enriched their learning but also fostered a deeper appreciation for wildlife and nature.

Teachers Training Course

We held a 4 days comprehensive training course for our NCP teachers, who are not formally trained. This initiative has significantly enhanced their teaching skills, equipping them with valuable knowledge and techniques to better support our beneficiaries.

Infrastructure Improvements

Nkhanini NCP Storeroom Revamp

The storeroom at Nkhanini NCP was successfully revamped with the addition of a new veranda, thanks to Michael and his dedicated building volunteers.

Ekuzukekeni NCP Enhancement

 The team moved to Ekuzukekeni NCP to fix the water tank stand and repair the leaking water tank. Additionally, the classroom floor was reconstructed from scratch to eliminate potholes, creating a safe and organized learning environment.

Elangeni NCP Security Measures

The fence at Elangeni NCP was given more support with additional logs to prevent cows and unauthorized individuals from entering the premises, ensuring the safety of our children.

Mlindazwe NCP Garden

Our garden at Mlindazwe is thriving, producing beautiful vegetables. The cook has started cooking spinach, which contributes to the children’s nutritious meals.

Teachers Meeting  

A productive teachers meeting was held, attended by NCP teachers and cooks. Key topics included reflections on the teachers' training held in April, reminders of responsibilities and roles, and discussions on international volunteer collaborations. A lunch of rice and chicken was served, fostering companionship among staff.

Monthly Groceries

We continue to provide monthly groceries, including essential items such as rice, beans, cooking oil, salt, soup, soap, stock powder, and sugar. This ensures that all children receive a hot meal daily, which is crucial for their growth and development.

A total of 11,610 meals were provided in the second quarter:

• May: 4,620 Meals (210 kids for 22 days)
• June: 2,850 Meals (190 kids for 15 days)
• July: 4,140 Meals (180 kids for 23 days)

 Impact of Winter Season

This quarter, we observed a decrease in the number of kids fed. The winter season has impacted attendance, as many children have been missing school due to the cold weather. Unfortunately, they cannot afford warm clothing, leading them to stay home and sit around fires to keep warm.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Our organization aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger - Ensuring food security and improved nutrition for vulnerable children.
• SDG 4: Quality Education - Providing quality preschool education to orphaned and vulnerable children.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Addressing educational disparities faced by orphaned and vulnerable children.

 Conclusion

Thank you once again for your generous support and commitment to our mission. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children, helping them build a brighter future. We look forward to updating you on our progress in the coming months.

THANK YOU!!

The first quarter of the year has been productive for the AOA Foundation, marked by significant developments in our NCPs (Early Childhood Education and Nutrition). We have seen improvements in infrastructure, student performance, and partnerships, all contributing to the betterment of our communities.

Key Highlights:

Classroom and Play Area Development

In our various NCPs, we have made notable advancements in classroom and play area enhancements. At Lamgabhi NCP, classroom decoration has been completed, significantly enhancing the learning environment for the children. At Ekuzukekeni NCP, the storeroom is now complete, and children are enjoying a new trampoline, while the garden features cassava and sweet potatoes. Elangeni NCP has also completed its storeroom, with the garden now including cassava and pumpkin leaves. Lastly, the play area at Nkhanini NCP has been repainted, creating a more inviting space for outdoor activities.

Daily Meals Tracking Tool

We have successfully rolled out a daily meals tracking tool across all nine NCPs. This initiative ensures accountability and proper monitoring of meal provision for the children, enhancing our commitment to their nutrition.

Meals Provided This Quarter

In total, we provided 11,800 meals in the first quarter:

• January: 1,000 meals (50 kids for 20 days)
• February: 4,800 meals (240 kids for 20 days)
• March: 5,040 meals (240 kids for 21 days)
• April: 960 meals (240 kids for 4 days)

Academic Achievements

Our Homework Club has seen impressive results this quarter. Ten students sat for their external examinations for Grade 7, with notable achievements including Simelokuhle Gwebu, a 13-year-old who achieved a first-class pass with merit, ranking in the top three nationwide. Overall, the results include two first-class passes with merit, four first-class passes, three second-class passes, and one third-class pass. The afternoon classes have proven beneficial, as all students have successfully transitioned to high school.

Partnership and Resource Sharing

We have strengthened partnerships with local NGOs to enhance resource sharing. Notably, Manna Centre partners provide boiled chicken with vegetables and rice once a week to several NCPs, including Ekuzukekeni, Elangeni, Mlindazwe, Mvutjini, and Ezulwini.

Water System Restoration

The water system at Mlindazwe has been restored, providing clean water for the children. This improvement allows the cook to prepare meals without the hassle of water collection, significantly enhancing our operational efficiency.

NCP Enrolment Update

This year, we have enrolled 240 children across our nine preschools, with enrolment ongoing. Below is a breakdown of the number of children at each NCP:

• Lamgabhi NCP: 30 children
• Ekuzukekeni NCP: 32 children
• Elangeni NCP: 26 children
• Nkhanini NCP: 12 children
• Mlindazwe NCP:16 children
• Mvutjini NCP: 24 children
• Ezulwini NCP: 55 children
• Bethany NCP: 15 children
• Mahlanya: 30 children

We anticipate that this number will increase by the end of the year.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The initiatives undertaken by the AOA Foundation align with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger: Our meal tracking tool and garden initiatives aim to ensure food security and nutrition for children.
• Goal 4: Quality Education: The academic support through the Homework Club and improved classroom environments directly contribute to inclusive and equitable quality education.
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: The restoration of the water system at Mlindazwe ensures access to clean water, promoting health and sanitation among children.
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening partnerships with local NGOs and international supporters enhances resource sharing and collaborative efforts toward common goals.

 Conclusion

The AOA Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children in our community through education, nutrition, and well-being initiatives under the NCP project. The progress made in the first quarter is a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners. We appreciate the continued support from our donors, which makes these achievements possible.