Areas in Eswatini being impacted by Hands at Work

The Crisis + How We Began

In Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), sexual abuse and polygamy occurs in the homes of many families. Cultural pressures have driven many Eswatini men to take on wives and children they cannot provide or care for. Many people live in abject poverty and food shortages are widespread. Girls are especially at risk in Eswatini, often given up for marriage as early as ages 12-14. This has caused an extremely high number of girls who have never been to school or have dropped out at an early age. 

As the work in South Africa was growing and expanding, people were starting to see the impact and how relevant it was for the church to get involved to help deal with the HIV/AIDS crisis that was sweeping through Sub-Saharan Africa. More than 15 years ago, George Snyman met a senior pastor from South Africa whose introduced us to a mother Theresa in Eswatini and through her, we met church leaders and the door to working in Eswatini was opened. Over the years, as the work continued, Hands at Work began exploring the potential to expand into other communities. Since then, Hands at Work developed a local team in Eswatini, and started working in four communities. 

OUR RESPONSE

As the local church is mobilised in each community to unite and reach out to the most vulnerable, Hands at Work equips them to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to the children and families they serve. Children are supported through the daily provision of Hands at Work's three essential services. These include food, education and basic health care. These are provided at Life Centres within their community. Through regular visits to their homes, Bible teaching and prayer child come to know that they are loved by Christ and those who care for them.

MEET Tema

Tema* is one of the most vulnerable children we care for in Bhandeni Community, Eswatini.Though five-year-old Tema’s parents long to provide for their children, this is challenging as the only work they can find is seasonal. With the inconsistency of work, Tema’s parents struggle to provide even the most basic necessities for their children. By the grace of God, the family are not alone in their challenges. Care Workers from the Bhandeni CBO have come around Tema and her family, providing constant love, support and care, practically and emotionally. No longer do the children worry about going hungry. Next year, when it is time to start grade 1, Tema will be supported with the necessary school fees.

Population: 1, 489, 160

Percentage of people living in extreme poverty: 30%

Number of children (0 to 14) living with HIV/AIDS: 7300

Number of children (0 to 17) who have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS: 57, 000

Life Expectancy: 61 (F) | 53 (M)

Country rating (out of 187) on the Human Development Index: 144

–Sources: UNAID, UNDP,  World Poverty Clock

BE INSPIRED BY OTHER STORIES FROM SWAZILAND
‘Come Lord Jesus’
‘Come Lord Jesus’

“During the week, we saw people coming to Jesus for the first time or coming back to him after years apart, and levels of forgiveness which were quite miraculous because no one, in their own strength, would be able to bring such forgiveness, reconciliation and, ultimately, peace.”

Growth in Germany
Growth in Germany

We are grateful for the amazing support that we have seen growing in our church and surrounding communities. We have not only seen God’s hand in this but we have witnessed a deep appreciation for what Hands at Work is doing. Through regular visits and strong relationships, people have realised the love and trustworthiness that Hands at Work is based upon and therefore are willing to support the work with their finances and prayers.


Meet Thandeka
Meet Thandeka

From March 1st – April 16th, join the Hands at Work family around the world as we pray for 40 Days on behalf of the most vulnerable children in Africa and our work to support them. Thandeka represents one of thousands of children being cared for by volunteer Care Workers across the communities Hands at Work supports. Read her story and join us in prayer by downloading the 40 Days of Prayer Guide.

Care Workers Across Africa
Care Workers Across Africa

Care Workers are the key in bringing healing and transformation to the lives of our children. They are men and women from the local churches within our communities who recognize their Biblical mandate and answer their call to care for the most vulnerable children. They demonstrate what it means to give freely, love unconditionally, and sacrifice everything. Often, Care Workers face their own traumas and live in dire poverty, just as the children they care for do, but their determination to persevere and care despite their own circumstances challenges everyone they come into contact with. They are greatest in the Kingdom of God!

Loved like Family
Loved like Family

Nokuphila is a seven year old girl. This desperately poor community struggles from a lack of clean, accessible water and, at times, impassable roads. There is also virtually no employment within the community. Her aunt immediately moved into the home to help care for Nokuphila and her disabled mother when her father passed away. With no job and no income, simply surviving was a constant struggle. 

No Longer Alone (SWA)
2010 Conference Dates