Each of the 16 Hands at Work in Africa communities supported by the UK has its own story, challenges, and signs of hope. Through local churches and volunteer Care Workers, children are welcomed at Care Points for meals, discipleship, play and practical support. Here’s a snapshot of recent news from each community.
The brilliant Care Workers at Matsinho B, Mozambique
Alugbo is a rural community that grew to 100 children attending the Care Point last year. At the end of the year, an Under 5s programme began, welcoming some of the youngest and most vulnerable children into a place of safety and nurture. This is an exciting step but also requires extra Care Workers and provision. Please pray for the team as they care for these little ones and for the resources needed to sustain this growth.
Children from Amlew, Maposa and Kamakonde communities had a fun-packed Sports Day at the end of last year – you can read more here. Youth exchange visits with nearby communities have refreshed and encouraged the young people, strengthening relationships and faith. Activities for each age group remain strong, with Care Workers faithfully walking alongside children week by week.
In Bhandeni, a team from Woodlands Churches helped with beautifying the Life Centre, creating a brighter, more welcoming space. Primary Caregiver Relationship Groups continue to meet regularly, offering encouragement and practical support. However, flooding across parts of Eswatini has made access difficult and raised concerns about crop damage, reminding us of the ongoing vulnerability many families face.
Chilabula has faced a challenging season with high levels of malaria affecting a number of children. We give thanks that some have recovered well and ask for prayer for those still unwell. Despite these pressures, the community continues moving towards graduation in the coming years, a testament to the steady strengthening of local leadership and care.
Chilando’s new Care Point opened last year and is already making a difference to vulnerable families in the area. Daily life at the Care Point is buzzing with activity. New toilets were built on site with hopes to build a permanent Life Centre building soon. Although the community is far from a clinic, relationships are being built with local nurses who can visit when needed. It is encouraging to see the local church and wider community embracing the vision and taking increasing ownership of the care.
Chinyausunzi, alongside the neighbouring area of Sakubva, is seeing gradual improvements in infrastructure and employment opportunities. As stability grows, the number of children attending the Care Point is decreasing — always the hope as communities become more resilient. With graduation planned for 2027, teams are equipping local churches to continue caring confidently for their community. Newly installed netball posts are also bringing energy and joy to playtimes.
At Houtbos, the Care Point will be painted this year, adding colour to a space already loved by the children. The playground will receive maintenance, and Care Workers have each received a goat to help provide for their families. As the Care Point looks towards graduation in the coming years, the local Women’s Mountain Prayer group continues to gather on a high viewpoint overlooking the community to pray. Their faithfulness has been a deep source of spiritual strength and encouragement for the Care Workers and Primary Caregivers as they support one another.
Two new houses have been built for vulnerable families in Mafambisa, offering safety and dignity after challenging times. A crafts income-generating activity (IGA) has begun, with Care Workers and Primary Caregivers making and selling earrings together. After ongoing challenges with the water table at the Care Point, a new toilet was completed and painted last year. Strong involvement from a local church leader has been a real encouragement.
Malakota A&B | Malakota C, Zambia
Malakota A and B are progressing steadily towards graduation, while Malakota C is growing and welcoming more children. After several attempts, water has finally been found for boreholes at both B and C — a huge answer to prayer. A new Care Point building at B is also taking shape, providing a more secure and suitable space for gatherings.
Maposa is on track for graduation within the next couple of years, with numbers of children attending the Care Point set to start decreasing in March. A recent Sports Day brought celebration and community spirit as three Care Points competed against one another. Maposa is also looking forward to welcoming visitors from partner church Haven Community from Northern Ireland next month.
Matsinho B has recently seen some practical improvements, including painted toilets, new netball posts and a youth shelter. Youth camps with neighbouring communities remain a highlight, giving young people space for fun, friendship and growth in faith. We are thankful that in challenging circumstances, children are given moments to lay down responsibilities and simply be children.
A three-day Care Worker Revival, bringing together Care Workers from Kamaila, Miswa and Mutaba A, was a powerful time of healing, testimony and encouragement. Many shared deeply moving stories, and practical skills were learnt, including making earrings from recycled bottles. Each Care Worker received the gift of a goat, which will help them to provide for their households.
Mutaba A was greatly encouraged by a Care Worker Revival at the end of last year. The Under 5s programme and 6-12 age groups are both thriving. Heavy rains across the Chisamba region have recently brought challenges but the Care Workers remain committed, supporting families through uncertain weather patterns.
A new Care Point structure has been completed in Mutaba B, providing somewhere for the children to gather away from the extreme weather. The region has been affected by the recent heavy rains. As vulnerability increased in Mutaba, the original Care Point split into two, creating Mutaba A and Mutaba B, each with their own leadership structure and group of Care Workers.
Oloba is currently caring for around 50 children and began an Under 5s programme at the end of last year. Young people from across the region gather on weekends to play games and build friendships, strengthening community bonds. There are hopes to build a Life Centre in the coming year, and the Care Point is prayerfully seeking a UK partner to walk alongside them in this next season.
Please join us in praying for each of these communities – for strength, provision and continued hope in the months ahead.
