Educate & feed 300 children in Swaziland!

Introduction

Every day at our Neighbourhood Care Points, we are reminded why this work matters. A warm meal, a safe place to learn, time to play, and caring adults can make a real difference in a child’s life. This quarter, thanks to the continued support of our donors, partners, volunteers and the communities we work alongside, 244 children continued to receive that support across our nine Neighbourhood Care Points.

NCP Daily Meals

Our centres continued to provide daily meals throughout the quarter, serving 20,740 nutritious meals. For many children, the NCP provides the most dependable meal of the day. While the numbers are important, what matters most is seeing children arrive each morning ready to learn, knowing they will not spend the day hungry.

NCP Daily Sport Activities

Alongside daily meals, all 244 children continued to receive early childhood education. Through stories, songs, drawing, counting and play, children are building the confidence and skills they need before entering primary school. Every day also includes sports and outdoor play, giving children the chance to develop their coordination, balance and motor skills while learning to work together, solve problems and build friendships. Our swimming programme continues to grow, with 40 children from Ezulwini and Elangeni NCPs now participating in regular sessions. It has been wonderful to see their confidence develop, with 15 children already able to swim independently, while others continue practising with support from their instructors. For many of these children, this is their first opportunity to learn how to swim, an experience that builds confidence and teaches an important life skill.

Food Security

We also continued strengthening our work in food security by expanding our organic gardens. During the quarter, gardens were established at Elangeni, Mlindazwe, Ezulwini, Mvutjini, Bethany and Lamgabhi NCPs. Together with community members, staff, volunteers and the children, we planted lettuce, spinach, onions and cabbage. As these gardens grow, they will help provide fresh vegetables for daily meals while encouraging children to understand where food comes from and the value of caring for the land.

Improvement at the NCPs

Creating safe spaces for children also remained an important part of our work. At Lamgabhi NCP, construction of a veranda is underway to protect the building from damage caused by heavy rains. Bethany NCP received new perimeter fencing, improving the safety of the centre. At Mahlanya NCP, repairs to the roof and flooring were completed after rainfall damaged the building. At Nkanini NCP, we created a firebreak around the NCP to help protect the centre during Eswatini’s dry winter months, when veld fires become more common.

One of the most memorable moments of the quarter was the Cultural Day at Elangeni NCP. Parents, community members, local leaders and international volunteers joined the children in celebrating Eswatini’s culture through traditional songs, dance and dress. It was more than a celebration; it was a reminder that children thrive when families and communities are actively involved in their lives.

Quarter 2 at a Glance

• 9 Neighbourhood Care Points supported.
• 244 children receiving daily early childhood education and care.
• 20,740 nutritious meals served.
• 244 children participating in daily sports and play activities.
• 40 children enrolled in swimming sessions.
• 15 children now swimming confidently on their own.
• 6 organic gardens established.
• 4 infrastructure improvement projects completed or underway.
• 1 community Cultural Day bringing together children, families, local leaders and international volunteers.

Everything we have achieved this quarter has been possible because of people who believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and feel safe. We are deeply grateful to Atle Sundøy and friends, Sara and Jeff Horein, Eswatini Charitable Trust (ECT), Emma and Kris Langbridge, Sean and Ciara, Nevan Fisher, Laurie Keough, World Challenge Expeditions Limited, SUNY Geneseo, Green School Initiative in Eswatini, and every volunteer who has supported our work. Whether through funding, sharing skills or giving your time, your support is making a lasting difference in the lives of children and their communities.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Siyabonga Kakhulu!