The year ended with the chaos of Covid-19 as schools and borders closed, and children became more at risk, because no school means no food for many, and less safety for some. I am so thankful for the work that the team at INTSABA farm has done in growing a variety of vegetables. These were transported to the village nearby to feed children that we were told, were starving. The women wept when the food truck arrived. The Chief broke tradition and came to the farmhouse at INTSABA where he waited for the General Manager, Pamela Cominetti to arrive, so he could thank her!
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Produce was also taken from INTSABA to impoverished Marekamp, where the Outreach Coordinator was able to share with needy care givers taking care of orphaned and vulnerable children. Food parcels sponsored through the Food Fund, were taken to families where children are at risk.
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At Mhlosheni Welcome Place, 150 children continue to come in shifts to be fed.
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So many services continue in Eswatini. Our school, Hope Discovery Learning Center, has been closed, but teachers continue to prepare for the re-opening of school when sixty new pupils will be added to the roll. New Covid requirements have been provided by the Ministry of Education.
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Each classroom will have to be re-configured, and various safety measures will have to be put in place. New teachers have been added to accommodate the expanded student population.
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No matter what effect Covid-19 has on our fundraising here at home, the work continues. I am thankful for those of you who are regular contributors and invite those who are interested, but who are not supporters, to take the next step and partner with us. In advance, we thank you!
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As the first month of the new year came to a close, Southern Africa, already hard hit by the Corona Virus, was slammed by Cyclone Eloise, a fierce storm that affected over 270,000 people. Unfortunately, 21 people died, including 11 in Mozambique, 3 in Zimbabwe, 4 in Eswatini, 2 in South Africa and 1 in Madagascar.
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Tens of thousands of acres of farmland were flooded causing wide-spread concern in areas already challenged by inadequate food supply for vulnerable populations.
Homes already fragile and insecure were unfit for use, causing care givers to have to search for sanctuary for children suddenly with no roof over their heads. One such family is a granny with three children and an infant.
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Their sparse furnishings including the bed were destroyed or waterlogged. We hope to raise funds for materials to rebuild a two bedroom hut for her and the four children under her roof, who are now scattered in various places since their home is no longer in proper condition for them to live.
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The flooding has all but washed away the bridge to Hope Discovery Learning Center, our inclusive school that serves slow learners.
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This school gives a fighting chance to vulnerable children left behind, either because of disability or lack of opportunity. Malvin Moyo, Outreach Coordinator, assembled a group of volunteers from Marekamp to assist with shoring up the bridge with sandbags, but they have been washed away by the continuous rainfall.
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The goal is to replace the bridge before school re-opens, or the children and teaching staff will not be able get to the school building safely.
The site must be graded and a secure bridge must be built that can support a bus load of children or visitors without risk.
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The new road at INTSABA has been going along well. At least it was ... until Covid-19 affected the crew. The entire road construction crew contracted the virus; causing work to stop until such time as they recover. In the meantime, there has been torrential rainfall in the wake of Cyclone Eloise.
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Storms have lasted days at a time, preventing outdoor work, even if laborers were in good health. Water tanks are full to overflowing, and the slow flowing waterfall on the mountainside, now provides dramatic music at night for the farmhouse residents, as it cascades in torrents down the mountainside.
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Even in the midst of challenges and difficulties, there are reasons to be grateful for God’s goodness.
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Exciting plans are in development to mark our 15 years of service for SOHO. In coming newsletter blogs, videos and special events, we want to tell you memorable stories and invite your participation as we journey through our past and cast our vision toward the future. The journey has indeed been miraculous and many of you have been part of that miracle.
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We want to share some of the stories of children whose lives have been changed because of your generosity. Furthermore, we want you to be part of the Village of Hope under development. We need your prayers and support now more than ever.
Wishing you health, safety and joy in your personal journey.
Yours in service,
Cynthia
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There Are Many Ways You Can Help
Your contributions are deeply appreciated.
Food Fund
Food parcels for homes with vulnerable children
Child Sponsorship
$38 for school fees, meals, transportation to and from school
School Uniform Fund
School uniforms are required for all children and often they miss school because they have no uniforms. Complete uniforms including shoes cost $125 per child $______
Emergency Fund
Unplanned needs like the bridge, the Gogo’s home, or Covid driven emergencies)
___$50 ___$100 ___$150 ___$300 ___$500
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