Ngudzeni Project, Swaziland

See the progress you helped make happen in your sponsored community

When the project started, children spent hours collecting dirty water that made them sick. Schools were overcrowded and under-resourced, there was only one health clinic, and farmers struggled to grow enough food for their children all year round.

Thanks to your support, your sponsored child and other children in the Ngudzeni community have better access to education, healthcare and clean water and their families have new income opportunities.

Together we've achieved so much

Four schools were upgraded and one pre-school built

These schools now have proper roofing, desks, books, hygienic toilets, staffrooms and clean water.

  • Community action groups were formed in 13 schools to ensure the quality of education is maintained and to lobby the government for ongoing improvements.
  • 88 children who lost one or both parents to HIV and AIDS were supported to attend school, pay school fees and buy uniforms.
  • 26 young people completed vocational training to become electricians through a recognised institution, which will enable them to gain employment locally or in nearby towns.

Over 1,350 households gained access to clean water

Six boreholes have been dug and three water tanks erected.

  • Improved water access has helped reduce the spread of waterborne illnesses and given children more time to study and play as they no longer have to spend over an hour each day walking to collect water.
  • 206 households gained hygienic toilets and 800 people learned about good hygiene practices, including the importance of hand-washing to prevent the spread of disease.
  • A new clinic with a maternity wing has allowed families in three areas who previously had to travel long distances for medical help to access essential health services such as vaccination and antenatal care.

600 farmers improved their incomes

This followed training on how to improve soil fertility and environmentally-friendly farming techniques.

  • Farmers in 1,222 households were provided with seeds, tools and training to increase their crop yields and breed livestock, increasing the amount of food they can grow and providing extra income.
  • 184 farmers increased their incomes through training and support in skills such as food processing, packaging and storage, making butter and soap, beekeeping and honey production, and raising dairy cows.
  • Members of 48 savings groups are saving money each month so they can afford their families’ basic needs. Through these groups, 30 women have been trained in sewing and business skills and are selling the clothes they make through local markets.

"...Thank you so much for the support of clean water, which is now just a 15-minute walk away. "

- Dlamini, aged 17, sponsored child