Educate & feed 300 children in Swaziland!

Introduction

As we approach the end of the year, it is essential to reflect on our organization’s mission to provide quality preschool education to less fortunate children. This year has been marked with significant achievements, challenges, and a renewed commitment to our goals. Despite facing funding shortages, our dedication to ensuring that every child has to education and nutritious meals remains unwavering.

Achievements

Graduation Success

One of the most notable achievements this year has been the graduation of 131 children from the 9 different NCPs. This milestone is not just a number, it represents the hard work and determination of both the children and our educators. These graduates are now poised to embark on their educational journey in primary school, and critical step that will shape their futures.

Support and Partnerships

Our partnerships have played a vital role in supporting our mission. We continue to rely on World Food Program (WFP), which provides essential food supplies, including Rice, Sardines, Beans and Cooking Oil, to six of our NCPs. This support is crucial, especially as we have faced funding shortages that have forced us to suspend monthly grocery purchases for the children. The schools have also been proactive, utilizing vegetables grown in their gardens to supplement the meals provided. Additionally, we are grateful for the ongoing support from Mr. Sakaramba, who provides meal packs that are vital for the nutrition of our children, as well as the Korean community that provides cooked Rice and Chicken stew with vegetables to six of our NCPS, namely Elangeni, Mlindazwe, Ekuzukekeni, Nkhanini, Mvutjini and Ezulwini.

Completed Projects

We are pleased to report that several important projects have been successfully completed in this quarter. These enhancements have significantly improved our facilities:

• Roof Repair at Elangeni NCP: To ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
• Restoration of the Water Tank at Ekuzukekeni: To Provide consistent access to clean water.
• Completion of Classroom Flooring at Ekuzukekeni: The completion of the reconstructed classroom floor which will create a clean and beautiful classroom for the children.
• Planting of fruit trees at Nkhanini NCP: These trees include Water berry, Sausage Tree, and Wild Plum trees which will provide shade and supplement the children’s meals with fruits.

These improvements will ensure that we begin next year in a safe and welcoming environment.

Nutrition Impact

This year we are proud to report that a total of 35,960 meals were provided to children across our 9 Neighborhood Care Points. This total reflects our commitment to ensuring that every child receives nutritional meals which are essential for their growth and educational success. The breakdown of meals provided is as follows

• First Quarter: 11,600 Meals
• Second Quarter: 11,800 Meals  
• Third Quarter: 12,560 Meals

This total highlights the importance of our mission and the need for continued support.

 Challenges

However, the challenges we face cannot be overlooked. The current funding shortages have placed additional pressure on our resources, making it increasingly difficult to provide consistent meals. For many of our children, the meal they receive at the school may be their last or only meal of the day. This reality underscores the importance of our mission and the need for continued support.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, we remain hopeful for the upcoming year. We are actively seeking donations to replenish our resources, and with increased funding, we aim to resume our monthly grocery program. It is essential that we contribute to support our children with nutritious meals, as their health and well-being are paramount to their educational success.

 Conclusion

As we conclude this year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors, partners, and volunteers who have supported our cause. A special vote of thanks goes to our generous donors: Atle Sundøy, SarSara Anne Horein and Jeff Horein, Eswatini Charitable Trust (ECT), and Emma and Kris Langbridge. Your contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of these children, and we could not have achieved this without your support.

Holiday Wishes

In closing, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the upcoming year bring joy, health, and prosperity to all, together, we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of these children and help them build a brighter future.

SIYABONGA KAKHULU!