Swaziland 

Swaziland, a tiny country of just over 1 million completely surrounded by South Africa and one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchs, is a largely rural, underdeveloped region. Government control is strong in most areas of society, including little freedom of the press. Poverty is severe, and food shortages are widespread. HIV-prevalancy and life-expectancy in Swaziland are among the world’s worst. Over the past decade, life expectancy has plummeted to 33 years.

In 2004 a Hands at Work in Africa supported project was begun in the heavily mountainous region in the center of the country to provide relief in several small communities scattered in the isolated area. Without even a vehicle, volunteers transport food on foot across distances of five or six kilometers to over 500 patients, orphans and vulnerable children. With very basic levels of training, the 23 local volunteers also provide home care visits and psycho-social support to the orphans.

Expansion Plans

Further growth requires a sturdy vehicle to transport patients to clinics and carry food to homes. Also, land has been secured for a care center where the scattered volunteers will meet for training and planning, and where activities among youth and children can be coordinated effectively.