By Grace Allaire | Peace Corp Volunteer from Ndlalambi Community
As my two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Eswatini comes to an end, I have spent time reflecting on the organizations and individuals working to strengthen rural communities.
Living and working here firsthand has given me a deeper appreciation of the complexity of sustainable development. Meaningful change requires more than good intentions—it requires patience, consistency, local ownership, and a long-term commitment to building capacity.
In addition to working at a local high school, I volunteered with Vusumnotfo, helping with their in-service training for community preschool teachers. Through this experience, I have gained insight into the organization's day-to-day operations and its approach to community development.
What has impressed me is the consistency with which Vusumnotfo pursues its mission - rather than focusing on short-term solutions, the organization invests in parents, caregivers, preschool teachers and community structures through training, mentoring, and structured technical and material support that can be sustained within the community.
Vusumnotfo's Early Childhood Program reflects this philosophy well. Their activities improve parenting and teaching practices by helping families understand how young children develop and learn, supporting children with special needs through the family, mentoring community preschool teachers, and increasing access to bilingual story books that encourage reading at both home and school.
Having attended these teacher trainings myself, I have seen the level of care and professionalism that goes into equipping community educators with practical skills that support children's development using the resources available in rural areas.
After two years of living and working alongside my community, I have come to appreciate how difficult lasting change can be. It is because of this that I feel confident endorsing Vusumnotfo and work they continue to do.
I have seen an organization that is deeply committed to the people it serves, trusted by the communities it works with, and dedicated to creating opportunities for children, families, and eductors thrive.
I believe that investments in early childhood development are among the most important investments a community can make, and I am grateful to have supported an organization that is helping make that vision a reality in rural Eswatini.
I can attest that your donations - part and future - will continue to be put to thoughtful and effective use.
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Our Problem Statement - To reverse dependency at family and community level
Our Mission - We strengthen child development and learning practices in 17 Swazi communities
Our Motto - Do what you can, with what you have, now
Our Vision - 17 Swazi communities, willing and able to improve their environmental, social and economic conditions.
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