Learning what can grow and doesn't grow in a Swazi garden
In previous issues John Lovett told how he provided Thembi Dlamini with assistance in paying school fees for her children and she agreed to prepare her land for a vegetable garden.
John now tells us "… the garden is producing its first harvest of cabbages, potatoes, green peppers, ground nuts and sweet potatoes in limited amounts but sufficient to provide a generous supplement to the family's food supply. We needed to know which crops flourish as well as those that fail before planting anything in quantity.
"The potatoes have done very well… and we will definitely increase the area of cultivation for them. The cabbages suffered from insect damage but after experimenting with different insecticides, they managed to survive and produce reasonably sized heads. Tomatoes, beetroot, onions and spinach failed miserably, partly due to poor soil conditions, although we have also learned that we may have planted these crops too early.
"As we harvest so we are replanting with greater optimism. This summer has been very late in coming; it has been very cool but with plenty of rain and with several years of drought behind us we have had to resist complaining about it."
John has told us how the nourishment provided by gardens like these has made a noticeable difference to the overall health of the children and also in their academic performance.
"Malnutrition is a major problem and it is not unusual to have students fainting from lack of food. Sibusisu is one boy who has to walk ten kilometres each way to school each day and survives on a very meager diet. I had to take him home from school last week as he was suffering from delusions. I took him to Dr. Voss who concurred that malnutrition was the problem."
The opportunity to break the unrelenting cycle of poverty, hunger, and HIV/AIDS lies with the youth. John Lovett writes "I have been here for almost two and a half years and it has been a tremendous learning and growing experience. I love this country and I have faith in the young people who will become the movers and shakers of tomorrow… The future of Africa lies in the hands of the young generation as they adjust and adapt to new ways which will lead them to better opportunities for their own futures. "
Our partnership is dedicated to assisting the young people of Swaziland through providing school fees, nourishment, care, AIDS awareness and prevention and hope. Phillip Simelane, principal at Fundukuwela High School, sent us a letter on March 13 saying "I want to acknowledge the receipt of the funds for 35 students and as a school we are very grateful for the assistance. We request to convey our sincere gratitude to Hampton School and community for such a kind gesture… I want to say thank you so much for being concerned about our needy students."
If you are interested in making a donation to one of our projects, visit our website at www.hamptonpiggspeak.ca or contact me at 832-0003.
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