Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I have plenty of blog entries but due to some computer problems I can't post them. However, I wanted everyone to hear about the kids all of you have supported. I have pictures too and I will try to get them to upload. Also, we had a little money left over and so we were able to fix Nomfundo and Sizolwetho’s broken window. The children live in a structure made of clay and cement and there used to be one window before a storm wrecked it. They have boarded up the window with a piece of tin; but with the lack of electricity, there is absolutely no light inside the house. Now Nomfundo and Sizolwetho will be able to study in their home and also they will not have to worry about the flooding problems they have been experiencing. To build a new window was only $35 US. And it looks great!!


1. Celimphile Maziya (grade 2)

After her father died in 1999, her mother got pregnant with her 4-year old brother and contracted HIV from her boyfriend. She later died of AIDS in 2007. There are 4 children that live at Celimphile’s homestead and no adults. Her father was in the army so after he died, the family was entitled to a pension from the government. The 22yr old sister who lives with her boyfriend, takes the entire pension and does not give any to the family leaving Celimphile, her two brothers (4y & 17y) and a sister (15y) hungry and poor. They sold everything they owned for food. No one in their family helps them because none of her mother’s relatives are still living and the fathers relatives are still mad at her mother so they refuse to help as well. They survive at the mercy of their neighbor’s second hand items (clothing, food, etc) but live in a very poor village with poor neighbors who often cannot help. This is Celimphile’s first year of formal education and tested into 2nd grade. She is very happy to be at school.


2. Sibusiso Kunene (grade 7)

Sibusiso lives with his grandmother, aunt, and uncle (who is dying of TB). His parents both died of HIV/AIDS. They survive on the grannie’s elderly grant from the government and by buying avocados and re-selling them at the market place. The grandmother recently fractured her back and had to be hospitalized. Since they had to pay for the bills, the family did not eat for days.


3 and 4. Nomfundo (form 3 high school) and Sizolwetho (grade 7) Msibi

These two are siblings. Their father died 10 years ago and mother died 6 years ago. They eat only supper on most days which consists of porridge, maize (corn), and greens. They rarely eat meat and they do not eat before or during the school hours. They cook outdoors so when it’s raining (which has been almost everyday since I’ve been here) they cannot cook because they do not have a kitchen so they cook over a fire outside. The rain puts their cooking flame out.

They are also a child-headed household. Nomfundo (age 17) raises her 3 brothers and sisters - including Sizolwetho (age 12). Sizo said that his favorite subjects are math science and English and he wants to be a doctor. Nomfundo’s favorite subjects are commerce and English. She wants to be an accountant. She said that lots of times it is hard because they have no food and they have to go to sleep hungry and go to school without food in their stomachs. She said that they beg for food and clothing from neighbors. She said that the window in their house broke and now, when it rains, the house floods.


5. Lungelo Mhlanga (14 years old, form 1 high school)

Lungelo’s mother died and he now lives with his father who is a drunkard. When his father is in a “bad” state, he runs to his grandfather’s house. His father cannot find a job, so they frequently go hungry. They cook outside, so they have the same problem as most poor Swazis in rural areas when it rains. His favorite subject is science and he wants to be a doctor. He likes to play football.


6. Njabuliso Mabaso (form 2 high school)

Njabuliso’s parents died. He now lives with his aunt Nelly who is the RHM with HIV whom I have spoke of before. He likes to play football. His favorite subjects are science and social studies. He wants to be a policeman.


7. Nkosingiphile Tsabedze (form 2 high school)

She lives in a dilapidated house with her mother who suffers from TB. She has 6 brothers and sisters and no food. She wasn’t at school today for us to interview her because she was at home taking care of her sick mother.

Hopefully I will figure out my computer troubles some time soon. I miss you all and thank you so much for your support!!!

Anne

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