Project Photos August / September 2006    (Next)

Bonnie Van Schaick and Minister for Education, Constance Simelane at a meeting on the opening of the school built in Ngculwini area of Swaziland

Walter Malaza, pastor, and Bonnie at a day camp for 430 children, 135 of whom are double orphans (both parents have died of AIDS)  There were games, food, a child’s church service, and a talk from their GoGo (Grandma) Bonnie.

A beautiful garden of foods that elevate the immune system.

Loao Mahlalela , garden planner, planter and teacher of caring for gardens.  Loao has been involved in gardening projects in Swaziland for 25 years

Groundwork being done on flush toilets with washbasins and tile wall showers. 

A septic tank has been installed and drain fields established. 

The septic system is nearly complete.  This is one of the first septic systems in the Ngculwini area.

Bonnie with Lucy, the volunteer cook.

Lucy's "Chicken Coop" which are man-made enclosures made from reeds in which chickens nest.

A meeting with John Weatherson, emergency coordinator for agriculture and food production in Swaziland.  John and I met in August 2005 to organize the initial plan for the Walter Project and he is actively involved overseeing building the infrastructure of it.

Bonnie discussing project status and future plans with Walter.  Walter is the namesake of the project and continues to be the pastor of the group.  Walter lives at the site and works with the children on a daily basis.

The 3 room school nearing completion with many of the double orphan children who will be going to school for the first time.  There will be 30 children per room seated in double desks with individual chairs. 

The Primary School will open as soon as the school is registered with the government.  At that time medical teams will do a physical exam on each child testing for HIV, malaria, TB and any other health issues.  Treatment will be provided as needed.  Medical records will be established on all the children and immunizations will be started on the children who have never had medical care before.  Teachers will be provided and their salaries and benefits will be paid by the government.  I will be working with the builder to plan and build a teacher’s home on the  property.

 Project Photos August / September 2006    (Next)