Educate & feed 300 children in Swaziland!

This report highlights the ongoing efforts and achievements of the Nine Community Projects (NCPs) supported by All Out Africa Foundation. Over the past six months, with continued support from our partners, donors, and dedicated volunteers, we have made significant strides in providing vulnerable children with early childhood education, health screenings, sports activities, and community support. Below is a detailed account of the progress made at each NCP.

Field Trips and Educational Activities

One of the highlights of the past six months has been the successful field trips to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where we took 370 children and 60 adults to learn about wildlife conservation and the natural world.

Key Achievements:

370 children and 60 adults participated in the trip.

Children had the opportunity to:

• Learn about different animal species and their habitats.
• Observe animals in their natural environment.
• Participate in interactive educational activities.
• Develop an appreciation for wildlife conservation.

We believe these trips offered valuable learning experiences that helped the children develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of preserving it.

Early Childhood Education and Sports Development

Education remains at the core of our mission. With the support of international volunteers, we have been able to continue providing quality early childhood education across the nine NCPs. In addition, we introduced sports development programs that have significantly benefited the children's physical and social skills.

Key Achievements:

Positive Sports Day: A successful sports event was hosted with 135 children from all nine NCPs.

• 1st place: Ekuzukekeni NCP
• 2nd place: Bethany NCP
• 3rd place: Elangeni NCP

Olympafrica Sports Centre: We brought children together at the Olympafrica Sports Centre to compete in various sports, a heartwarming experience that demonstrated the power of sports to bring communities together.

Swimming Lessons: Introduced at three NCPs (Nkanini, Ekuzukekeni, and Mahlanya) with 68 children benefiting. The swimming lessons have been a huge success, boosting confidence and teaching valuable life skills.

1. Elangeni NCP

Enrollment: 30 children (13 boys, 17 girls).

Key Achievements:

Graduation Ceremony: Elangeni celebrated its 2024 graduation with 13 graduates who will be advancing to primary school in 2025. The children demonstrated their learning through performances and shared experiences from the year.

Storeroom Completion: The storeroom at Elangeni was completed, thanks to our building coordinator, Michael Mkhonta, the international volunteers, and our supportive partners.

Solar Panel Impact: The installation of solar panels at the NCP has had a significant positive impact on the community, providing reliable energy for the NCP’s operations and helping families in the area.

Swimming Lessons: Elangeni children had the opportunity to take swimming lessons, which have been beneficial in teaching life skills and boosting the children’s confidence in the water.

2. Ekuzukekeni NCP

Enrollment: 45 children (21 boys, 24 girls).

Key Achievements:

Graduation Ceremony: Ekuzukekeni NCP held a vibrant graduation ceremony, producing 22 graduates. The children performed songs, dances, and showcased what they learned over the year.

Positive Sports Day: Ekuzukekeni NCP participated in the Positive Sports Day, where they came in 1st place among the 9 NCPs, showcasing the competitive spirit of the children. The event brought together all the NCPs for a day of fun and sportsmanship.

Swimming Lessons: The NCP children participated in swimming lessons as part of our sports development program, learning crucial water safety skills and gaining confidence.

3. Bethany NCP

Enrollment: 38 children (19 boys, 19 girls).

Key Achievements:

Christmas Party: Instead of a formal graduation ceremony, Bethany celebrated the end of the year with a heartfelt Christmas party organized by the teacher and the cook. This event brought together the children, staff, and community for a day of celebration, food, and festive activities.

Continuous Support: The NCP continues to provide a safe learning environment for the children, with dedicated staff and volunteers working to meet their educational needs.

4. Mahlanya NCP

Enrollment: 30 children (14 boys, 16 girls).

Key Achievements:

Playground Development: Mahlanya NCP’s playground was developed into a safer and more engaging space for the children. The playground now offers a variety of physical activities, contributing to the children’s physical development.

Graduation Ceremony: Mahlanya celebrated its 2024 graduation on November 26, with 15 graduates. The ceremony was filled with excitement as the children showcased their talents and achievements.

Swimming Lessons: Swimming lessons were introduced at Mahlanya, where children learned vital life skills while having fun in the water.

5. Lamgabhi NCP

Enrollment: 37 children (18 boys, 19 girls).

Key Achievements:

Health Screening: Lamgabhi NCP benefited from a visit by Medical Missions Eswatini in partnership with Mercy Air. The children underwent health screenings, including eye, ear, and BMI checks. The screening found that the children were in good health, thanks to this initiative, which utilized helicopters to bring medical care to remote areas.

Graduation Ceremony: Lamgabhi NCP celebrated its first-ever graduation ceremony, with 14 graduates moving on to primary school in 2025. This was a monumental achievement for the NCP, which is located in a remote area.

Helicopter Visit: The children were thrilled to witness the arrival of the helicopter, which brought doctors and health professionals to their school, offering medical services to the community.

6. Mlindazwe NCP

Enrollment: 18 children (9 boys, 9 girls).

Key Achievements:

Classroom Repainting: With the help of international volunteers, the classroom at Mlindazwe was repainted, providing a fresh and motivating environment for the children to learn.

Graduation Ceremony: Mlindazwe had 15 graduates this year, who were celebrated for their achievements and were excited about the transition to primary school.

Sad News: Unfortunately, we lost our beloved Gogo Mnisi, who had been a significant part of the NCP. We honor her memory and the contributions she made to the children’s lives.

7. Mvutjini NCP

Enrollment: 21 children (7 boys, 14 girls).

Key Achievements:

Graduation Ceremony: Mvutjini held a beautiful graduation ceremony with 12 graduates. The ceremony was attended by the Ezulwini Municipality, and we were honored to have the director’s mother, Rose, join us in celebrating the children’s achievements.

8. Nkanini NCP

Enrollment: 27 children (13 boys, 14 girls).

Key Achievements:

Graduation Ceremony: Nkanini NCP celebrated its graduation with 10 graduates. The ceremony was a joyous occasion, with the children excited to begin their next journey at primary school.

9. Ezulwini NCP

Enrollment: 47 children (18 boys, 29 girls).

Key Achievements:

Graduation Ceremony: Ezulwini NCP had the highest number of graduates, with 30 children completing their early childhood education. The ceremony was a huge success, with performances and entertainment from the graduating children. A special highlight was the dance organized by previous graduates now attending primary school.

Homework Club and Computer Classes: In addition to regular education, Ezulwini NCP offers a homework club and computer classes in the afternoon to further enhance the children’s learning opportunities.

Food and Staff Support

Thanks to your generous support, we have been able to provide nutritious food to the children at the NCPs, ensuring they do not come to school hungry. Some children arrive at school without food, and the meals provided have had a significant impact on their well-being and ability to focus in class. Additionally, we were able to cover the salaries for the teachers and cooking staff at all NCPs, ensuring that the children receive continuous care and attention from dedicated professionals.

Sponsorship and Support

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors who have played a pivotal role in making all of these accomplishments possible. The continued sponsorship and donations we have received have been instrumental in ensuring the sustainability of our projects and providing the children with the best possible care, education, and development opportunities. Your support has made a tangible difference in the lives of these children and their communities.

Key Achievement under Sponsorship Program:

Through the generous sponsorship program, we were able to cover the tuition fees, books, and uniforms for 13 children.

• 1 child is completing her final year of primary school.
• 12 children are now enrolled in high school, gaining access to education that will open doors for a brighter future.

Your contributions are directly impacting these children's educational journeys and helping them reach their full potential. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support.

Proposed SDGs and Their Alignment

The following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) align with our activities and objectives:

SDG 4 – Quality Education: All NCPs focus on providing quality early childhood education, with special emphasis on children’s holistic development, including motor skills, swimming lessons, and academic support.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: Through initiatives like health screenings and the introduction of swimming lessons, we contribute to the well-being of the children, promoting both physical health and emotional confidence.

SDG 5 – Gender Equality: We strive for gender equality by enrolling an equal number of boys and girls at our NCPs and ensuring that all children have access to the same opportunities for growth and learning.

SDG 1 – No Poverty: By providing food, education, and healthcare to vulnerable children, we are working to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

Conclusion

The last six months have been filled with significant progress, from field trips to graduation ceremonies, and from improving infrastructure to enhancing educational programs. With the continued support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we are confident that we will continue to provide vulnerable children with the opportunities they deserve to thrive.

We are grateful for the ongoing support and look forward to another six months of positive impact for the children, their families, and the communities we serve.