Velezizweni Project, Swaziland

See the progress you helped make happen in your sponsored community

When the project started, most children were illiterate and schools lacked well-trained teachers. Most families didn't have access to clean water or hygienic toilets and farmers were struggling to grow enough food to feed their families and earn income.

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

Together we've achieved so much

61 percent of children can read and write with comprehension

This is up from just one percent in 2015 and follows an intensive literacy program.

  • 13 primary schools were stocked with 6,921 books and 65 bookshelves to improve literacy for 5,095 children. 20 reading clubs run by 39 volunteers were set up to give students extra learning support outside of the classroom.
  • 176 teachers from 13 primary schools were trained in better methods of teaching literacy, comprehension and vocabulary and they used their new skills to improve learning for 5,095 children.
  • Awareness amongst parents about the importance of education has grown and they have formed advocacy groups in three schools, successfully lobbying for the government to install toilets in one school.

Boreholes and water tanks were installed to increase access to clean water

This increased the proportion of households with access to clean water by 39 percent.

  • 5,347 people learned about good hygiene, sanitation and how to purify water.
  • 527 households were supported to build home toilets and toilet blocks were built in 17 community centres.
  • 94 percent of women gave birth with trained medical help in 2016, up from 78 percent in 2012. 64 health workers were trained and spread awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and antenatal health checks.

500 families gained improved nutrition and incomes

This was achieved through support for vegetable and fruit growing and raising livestock.

  • Over 500 families received 2,000 trees to produce fruit to sell. Each household also installed a 500-litre rainwater tank so they have water for drinking and for their vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
  • 100 child-headed households were supported with goats and training on how to breed, raise and milk them. This helped to provide children who have lost parents to HIV and AIDS with nutritious goat’s milk and a way to earn income.
  • Nine producer groups formed, allowing farmers to work together to install irrigation systems and commercially grow vegetables such as cabbage, onions, carrots and pumpkins.

"Thumbs up to World Vision for improving my school and community with clean water – we no longer get sick."

- Siphosethu, aged 12