Mahlalini Development Program
This Development Program aims to improve the well-being of children, especially the most vulnerable, using an approach that is long term (15-20 years), holistic, focused on children, and seeks to enable their families, local communities and partners to address the underlying causes of poverty. These root causes are not just lack of access to the basic necessities of life like water, food or health care, but also include inequities like gender or ethnic discrimination, or abusive practices like exploitation or domestic violence that affect a child’s well-being.
23 youth were trained as electricians and 26 were trained in sewing, equipping them with skills to earn a living. 550 families received chickens and training on poultry production. These families are now benefiting from nutritious eggs and will soon start selling chicks for additional income. 15 teachers and 30 peer educators, including 15 out-of-school youth, were trained in HIV prevention, life skills, and advocacy. We partnered with local churches to establish Congregational Hope Action Teams (CHATs) and equipped them to address HIV and AIDS issues in their communities. For example, we helped one CHAT start a pig farm to generate funds for the care of orphans and vulnerable children. Families in two communities gained access to clean water closer to home thanks to two new borehole wells we drilled. Together with partner organizations, we helped 200 families build sanitary latrines. 60 orphans and vulnerable children received school uniforms to help decrease stigma against them and boost their self-confidence so they can perform better in school. Disaster committees from nine communities were trained in disaster preparedness and updated their disaster plans with our help.
|Most Vulnerable Children|Gender|Environment|Advocacy|HIV&AIDS|
- Disaster Prevention and Preparedness
- Water Sanitation and Hygiene