Surviving abuse to help Eswatini’s neglected children …
“Many children in this community do not attend school or pre-school because they do not have enough food.”
Many others are unable to pay their school fees. Because my husband lost his job, I am unable to send my own children to preschool.
Some children are neglected by their parents. We’ve seen neglected youngsters left to fend for themselves, at risk of sexual abuse by adults who could infect them with HIV.
This also occurred to me: although my parents did not ignore me as a youngster, I was abused by adults such as neighbors, teachers, and my church’s pastor.
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A safe haven for children
This building was previously occupied by criminals before we established this Neighbourhood Care Point. It was used to store stolen goods, and the walls were covered in graphic graffiti.
We have established a secure environment for children. Crime in the region decreased after we refurbished the structure and launched the Care Point.
We are not professional teachers, but we use online tools such as YouTube classes and educational apps.
We aim to instill in them an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, teaching them how to avoid widespread criminality and create possibilities for themselves.
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Five days a week, hot lunches
This Care Point serves approximately 75 youngsters. These centers were originally intended for children under the age of eight, but we now accept children of all ages, including those whose parents are unable to send them to school, children with disabilities, and children in desperate need of nourishment.
We are able to deliver hot meals five days a week thanks to WFP assistance. Every month, we receive maize, beans, rice, and oil.
WFP has provided us with farming equipment, and we have established a vegetable garden in which we cultivate beans, spinach, lettuce, and other vegetables.
I had no idea, until my friends pointed it out, that I was often talking about kids and how to help them. So, I’m in the right spot. I’ve discovered my calling.
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HIV epicenter In the country of Eswatini,
Eswatini has the world’s highest HIV prevalence: 27.9% of the adult population is infected, 71% of children are orphaned or vulnerable, and one in every four children has lost one or both parents due to HIV/AIDS.
WFP supports 800 Neighborhood Care Points to ensure access to education, health care, recreational activities, and healthy meals for vulnerable children.