Shiselweni, Swaziland

1,208 children in Shiselweni ADP are supported by Irish sponsors since 1999.

 Meet Robert Shabangu, 39 years old, father of four and serial entrepreneur in Shiselweni ADP, Swaziland.

When Robert first went into business he tried his hand at cotton farming but this didn’t work out for him. Instead of wallowing in a failed business venture, Robert attended a training course with World Vision to become a beekeeper.

 In these courses World Vision trains a group of community members in a particular skill set like beekeeping, dressmaking or farming techniques. Each course includes modules on accounting and how to come together as a credit savings association. Being part of an association means that paying whatever you can on a monthly basis gives you the opportunity to borrow funds. Also, associations tend to buy shared equipment that would be too expensive for one member to buy alone.

Since becoming a beekeeper Robert hasn’t looked back. His business has grown year on year and he now makes over US$2,500 a year – a handsome sum! Now he is looking to purchase his own piece of land to build a house for his family. Recently he told us: “World Vision has helped us [the group] with training. Each member received one beehive at the end of the course to start our business. I have never looked back from that day and now work with 33 beehives!” 

So much happened in 2011 - for example...

• 17 credit savings associations were formed last year. 216 farmers are members and can now borrow money for essential items like tools and services like health care.
• The community identified 46 orphans and exceptionally vulnerable children who are now going to school as their fees are paid through your donations.
• 101 farmers, beekeepers and community leaders were trained in improved livestock techniques.
• Over 4,000 children and young adults as well as 44 religious leaders received HIV and AIDS education promoting safe sexual behaviour.
• Medical supplies were given to 29 home based carers to improve the help they give to people who are chronically ill with AIDS.

2012 Challenge

Our challenge for 2012 is to improve the number of births registered. This is vital for every child’s access to education, health service access and their general rights. The ADP is working together with the government to achieve higher levels of registrations and will continue this work in 2012.

Find out more about life in Swaziland and about how our Daring Dozen got on during the 2011 Sponsor Trip!