Walter Malaza sitting on the partially completed wall of the new school building in March of 2006.

Walter Malaza is a young man who is the pastor and caregiver in the community of Ngculwini, Swaziland.  Walter is married and the father of 5 children.  He has had 2 years training in the Manzini Bible College.  After that he began pastoring and doing what he could to care for these 100+ orphan children.  Walter received an assignment of 40 hectares (about 100 acres) of land from the local chief in exchange for a cow, which is a custom in this region. Walter has communicated well with some relief organizations that occasionally have food available to share with the children.

Walter has a vision of what is needed and he has been concerned about these children receiving no formal education.  Walter appealed to the education Minister and received permission to take the older boys to a regular school.  As part of the Walter Project, a three room school for the younger children is nearing completion in the area.  This school will be built to a professional standard and we expect a local qualified teacher to be in place so that classes will begin this year.

It is important that Walter take more time for pastoral work and teaching, after the initial infrastructure of the Walter Project is completed.  Walter did not have a Bible until last August 2005 when I spoke with him about the study material he has.  He has obtained manuals and books related to church leadership.

Walter is a young man with vision and had started moving his people to work on projects to better their community, but without the funds and manpower needed.  I found him very able to shepherd the children through quiet games and verbal teaching and he has taught the children how to plant and maintain gardens.  His vision has become the Walter Project.

Walter Malaza standing in front of the completed wall of the new school building in August of 2006