What’s happening in Swaziland right now?

Hey everyone, I know it has been some time since I posted on here (almost 2 years, I know!) and I’m sorry I haven’t been keeping some of you updated with my life, although most of you I’ve seen at least a few times more than I’ve seen my teammates! 

I’ve been keeping up with what’s going on in Nsoko lately and a friend of mine is there right now through the non-profit that she started with her husband (http://www.thesoundofhope.org/). Side note – you can check out her facebook page for some updated pictures of some of the kids I talked about while I was there, http://www.facebook.com/ericka.b.jackson. Including Thembelihle, the then baby that I talked about a few times. They sponsor the main carepoint in Nsoko, the one that I lived at for 6 months. Below is a post from them asking for help to buy a new container storage. 

We’re at our carepoint in Swaziland right now, and our
partners just shared their most pressing need with us. They have run out of
storage space in the current buildings, and we are looking for a 40 foot metal
storage container (the kind you would see on the back of an 18 wheeler). The
picture above (click on the link at the bottom of the page to see the picture) is of a 20 foot container already in use. The container they
would get is twice that size.

 The container is needed to store additional food and
supplies for the children, as well as gardening tools for the Community Garden
we are starting at the Center. This garden will be a source of provision and
empowerment for the up to 18 families in the area, as well as a way for the
children at the carepoint to get healthy vegetable in their diet. But it won’t
work without a safe way to store the gardening tools and supplies!

 We need $1600 total to purchase the container and have it
shipped down to Nsoko. We have a matching gift of $800, so every dollar you
donate will be doubled if you give to this project! Please GIVE NOW and help us
meet this need!

 

This is a picture taken of the first harvest of the garden while 

I was there, and it’s grown a lot since then! 

Now some of you might be thinking, really a container storage? That’s the biggest need? Theft unfortunately can be common there especially where someone knows there will be food. It must be locked up so the children can be guaranteed a meal, as well as the tools to help the garden flourish. If the garden flourishes, the children eat healthier foods and become healthier themselves. If they are healthy they are less prone to sickness or can more likely overcome it. Not to mention if the garden produces enough, then some can be sold to earn more money for the carepoint. So yes, a larger container storage unit is a NEED. Thank you so much for all of your support while I was there and please consider helping to meet this need by donating at this link. http://www.razoo.com/story/Swaziland-Storage-Container

Thanks everyone!