MORE NEWS FROM THE SWAZ

Hi Everyone,

Last week we said farewell to Jen, the peace corps volunteer who extended her time here in Swaziland so that she could work with an income-generating business model for two groups of home-based caregivers in our region. These individuals do a phenomenal job of delivering care to those who are unable to get to the local clinic. They truly are the hands and feet for the underserved rural population. Unfortunately, they are paid a minimal amount—about $1.50 USD daily, hence the need for supplemental income. In just 6 mos., Jen has one group making various forms of necklaces and earrings out of recycled materials, and another group making primarily earrings, and sewing various bags & purses. Their work is creative and the quality keeps on improving. Now that Jen has departed, I agreed to help with the monthly visits to these groups to advise, and purchase items they have made. Mike handles the marketing side of the business. I went to my first meeting last week. Since the access roads to our farm are unsafe for single females to walk on, I had to catch a ride to town at 6:30, and then later catch a bus to the community for the 10:00 meeting. Although I had been there before & Jen assured them that I would continue what she had started, I’m sure there was some skepticism. Three ladies brought items for me to review: One woman wanted to show me her partially completed work for approval; the other two women had nicely made items to sell to me. I also brought a large bag of off-cuts of fabric from a nearby garment factory and showed those who sew a new purse pattern. The turnout for the meeting was large – 21; so hopefully my future visits will result in more products to market.

Mike and I traveled to the peace corps office for Jen’s official “ringing out”. The staff and volunteers who come can all gather to thank the departing volunteer and wish them well for the future. After that, Jen and I planned a small trip together to visit a children’s home in the north we both wanted to see. First, I traveled to our training homestead to visit and to bring them the items we’d brought from the US. Thankfully, everything fit and was well received. The kids had a great time with wiffle balls and matchbox cars. The next morning I met Jen for our trip to Bulembu Children’s home. The site is rather unique: it was a working asbestos mine—the second largest in the world-- and adjacent town that was abandoned in 2001. When the asbestos problems came to light the town went from a thriving population of about 12,000 to about 100…almost overnite. A few years after that, 2 mission-minded businessmen bought the town, all the property, all the buildings with the idea of converting all into a childrens home/ tourist attraction. And that is what they have done. There were already many existing structures that could be revamped to meet their needs, which greatly reduced the start up costs. Unfortunately, the needs keep increasing for safe housing and care for the growing number of orphans and vulnerable children. They now care for 280 children, and have plans to increase that to 1,000 at that site. They have incorporated some working businesses into the town – so far a dairy and bakery, hoping to reduce the need for ongoing donations and to make it somewhat self-sustaining in the future. Because of the numbers, they have separate buildings for infants and toddlers; a big preschool; a primary school and plans to build a high school. We got a tour from one of the volunteer leaders whom I’d met at a previous conference. It is remarkably well run, but the scale of things is a bit overwhelming to take in. The kids live in groups of 6 – 8 with a resident caregiver at each dwelling. They are now actively working on how to transition the older children into semi-emancipation and eventually to independence. It makes our work here at the farm seem quite manageable.

Back on the farm, we’ve all been kept busy caring for our newest addition: 2 yr. Old Melusi. He was quite delayed in development, so it’s been fun watching him catch up. He comes to the preschool with me most mornings, and enjoys all the commotion there. We’re concerned that he isn’t making any progress in speech, but he certainly makes his desires known. It’s good that he has a strong will – he’ll need it in the future.

We’ve got 1 teenage girl here who is going through some emotional issues which look like a form of depression to me. Unfortunately, there’s limited resources to tap into for psychological care here. So far she is responding to some counseling from our pastor, but I worry that we’re going to have more storms before the sky clears for her. Please keep her in your prayers. Gotta go tutor.

Bye for now. Gail