By Amy Asmussen

Educating. Equipping. Empowering. One drop at a time.

As our Water Relief Capaign draws to a close, we continue to reflect on the vital importance of clean water access and what it means for our beloved communities in Licilo, Siteki, and the surrounding areas. As we focus our attention on building our newly-funded wells (thank you, donors!) and delivering clean water to our communities, we must also take a moment to examine the big-picture issues so that we can better equip, educate, and empower through short term funding for longterm solutions. 

In Africa, water scarcity affects one in three people. The continent continues to face a dire water crisis due to a widespread lack of accessible water sources, limited rainfall, and poor sanitation. The water crisis affects all other facets of life, from agriculture and economy to health and education. 

According to The Water Project, water scarcity is directly linked to poverty. Due to the lack of available water sources, many people must travel long distances to find water, making it difficult for some to work or attend school. Agriculture makes up 15% of Africa’s annual GDP. It is crucial for economic sustainability. Water is necessary for farming, and families below the poverty line cannot hope to achieve self-sustainability without the means to grow their own food. Due to the lack of accessible sources of clean water, we cannot hope to break the poverty cycle. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, poorer, rural communities are suffering a food shortage. Food insecurity due to the virus is not specific to Africa. The United Nations World Food Program estimates the economic hardship across the globe will result in a doubling of the number of people suffering acute hunger. Though Africa’s food production is currently at a surplus, government-ordered lockdowns due to the virus have led to widespread economic hardship and a decrease in demand for goods. Travel bans stemming from efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in a lack of access to goods and services for many communities.

At One Heart Africa, we are working to build new wells and service existing wells so that our communities in Mozambique and Eswatini can continue growing their own food. Lumbombo Valley Farms is continuing normal production, which we are donating to families within our communities. 

The water crisis also puts populations at risk for the spread of water-borne illness and disease. Without proper sanitation facilities or restrooms, illness spreads quickly. It is common for children to die of dehydration and diarrheal illness due to unsanitary drinking water and poor hygiene. Cholera cases are highest in Sub-saharan Africa, where water sanitation and sewage  management are poor, according to the World Health Organization. Water is essential for basic personal hygiene, which is the most effective method of illness prevention and especially crucial as we continue to battle a global pandemic. 

Mozambique and Eswatini are currently suffering a severe drought that has lasted nearly a decade. According to UNICEF, 51% of Mozambique’s population lacks access to clean water, and 75% of Mozambicans don’t have access to proper sanitation facilities. 

In Eswatini, the situation is just as bleak, with 40% of the population lacking access to clean water. Though over 400 wells, or boreholes, have been drilled into Swazi soil, only 10% of the country’s groundwater has been accessed, according to The Water Project, and many water relief projects and infrastructure in Eswatini are no longer functioning due to improper maintenance and limited resources to maintain them.  

Populations in rural areas suffer the effects of the water crisis most heavily. The Water Project reports a dismal 16% of people living in the rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa have in-home access to clean water, through a tap or other source. In Mozambique and Eswatini, many rural populations rely on naturally-occuring surface water, such as lakes and ponds. Many of these surface water sources are unsanitary or dry up due to limited rainfall. Additionally, people oftentimes must travel great distances to access these surface water sources. Children are absent from school or drop out altogether in order to make the daily trek to retrieve water for their families, and women and girls are at a great risk of assault when traveling alone far outside their village. Finding water costs time. Many people spend their days collecting water rather than earning a living or attending school, and the United Nations estimates Africa’s population spends 40 billion hours a year collecting water. 

One Heart Africa recently launched a Water Relief Campaign in order to fund the maintenance of our existing wells and build two new, desperately needed wells. Thanks to the support of our donors, we are proud to announce we have exceeded our donation goal! We would like to thank Jane and Kate Boutique for their incredible generosity. Your donations will ensure our communities have access to clean water, so that they can continue to grow food, practice preventive health measures, and enjoy a higher quality of life. You have made a world of difference! 

Though we have reached our goal, there is still work to be done. 

We must break this cycle of water scarcity, poverty, and illness. At One Heart Africa, we are working tirelessly to empower our communities in Mozambique and Eswatini through relief efforts, education and equipment.

To further aid water relief efforts before our campaign ends, purchase a limited edition long sleeve tee before it’s too late!

To find out more ways you can help, click here.

You may choose to donate to the project that most interests you, or choose to give to the area of most need. 

At One Heart Africa, we are committed to reducing the effects of the water crisis, one drop at a time. 

References

• The Water Project 
• Drop 4 Drop 
• UNICEF 
• World Health Organization 
• The United Nations World Food Program

By Amy Asmussen

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, desolate media reports of the uncertainty and hardship that has affected 215 countries across the globe dominate our attention, becoming a dull roar that easily drowns out the positives: relief efforts, human connections, leaders, essential workers, and unsung heroes. It is critical that we uphold our civic duty to educate ourselves, to comply with recommended safety measures, and to assume an active role in the work still left to be done. We must uphold our civic duty so that we as a united human race may emerge from this pandemic clasping one another’s hand, proud to say that when we went into the darkness, we helped one another instead of hiding our faces while we waited for the dust to settle. We cannot wait for the dust to settle. We cannot stagnate and wait to count our losses. We must uphold our global responsibility so that we as one race and one entity may emerge scraped and bruised, yes, but with our humanity intact.

While it is important that each of us assume a personal responsibility in the outcome of this pandemic and that we remain aware of the work still left to be done, it is equally important to pause for a moment and reflect on the positive forces prevalent in this trying time.  It is important to thank our doctors, nurses, service workers, and essential business. It is important to reach out to our friends and our neighbors, and once we have done that, to reach out across our borders, because we are not a nation isolated and unconcerned. Each of us has a global obligation to extend our helping hands past our immediate social sphere. Each of us has the potential to be the pair of helping hands that makes all the difference. At One Heart Africa, we believe in the incredible resiliency of the human race. We believe in educating, equipping and empowering. We believe there will always be a pair of helping hands, no matter how dark the horizon.

No matter how bleak the circumstance, there will always be a smiling face.

A Snapshot of Covid-19 in Africa

In order for us to direct our efforts to COVID-19 relief, we must first understand what life looks like in Africa amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While One Heart Africa’s efforts are largely focused in the southern countries of Mozambique and Eswatini, we must first look at the continent as a whole.

Due to weaknesses in Africa’s healthcare systems, Africa is at risk of becoming the next epicenter of the pandemic, according to an article by Marguerite Massinga Loembé, Akhona Tshangela, and Stephanie J. Salyer, published in Nature Medicine journal.

Take a look at this overview of reported COVID-19 cases in Africa, compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Note: The statistics we have cited were updated on August 18th. You can view the newest stats, updated every day with the previous day’s data, here.

• Total Confirmed Cases: 1,136,712
• Fatalities: 26,313
• Recoveries: 858,944
• Active Cases: 251,455 
• Total Confirmed Cases Relative to Population: 0.0935%

Covid-19 in Eswatini

In Eswatini, where One Heart Africa is focusing its efforts on the maintenance of the well on site at Lubombo Valley Farms, the total number of confirmed cases is significant, and climbing.

• Total Confirmed Cases: 4,058
• Active Cases: 1,368
• Recoveries: 2,611
• Fatalities: 79
• Total Confirmed Cases Relative to Population: 0.371%

Covid-19 in Mozambique

In Mozambique, where One Heart Africa is running Sharing Hope Preschool among other clean-water and agricultural projects, the total number of confirmed cases is climbing.

• Total Confirmed Cases: 2,991
• Recoveries: 1,245
• Fatalities: 19
• Active Cases: 1,727
• Total Confirmed Case Relative to Population: 0.101%

According to the Nature Medicine Journal, the Centers for Disease Control in Africa activated its emergency operations center in January after receiving reports of increases in COVID-19 cases. Africa’s first wave of response focused on the quick and effective circulation of information about the virus across the continent. Weekly meetings with the CDC Regional Collaboration Centers were held in order to keep regions of the African Union (AU) up to date on all alerts regarding the virus. The Centers for Disease Control launched a live dashboard, still active today, to organize all incoming data shared across countries. Africa’s past response efforts to various disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak, which took place in 2014 and lasted until 2016, were swiftly adapted to COVID-19 to slow the spread. The AU adopted the Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19, which outlines a detailed implementation plan for various health and safety measures. The Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19 outlines two main objectives, which I have cited here:

1. Prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19 infection in Member States.

2. Minimize social disruption and economic consequences of COVID-19 outbreaks.

— Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19

Currently, Africa faces severe hardship due to the pandemic. Cases are rising, and the uneven distribution of medical commodities, such as face masks, hand sanitizers, and ventilators, is contributing to an accelerated spread of the virus as many are forced to go without protective means. Stress on the healthcare system has led to a restriction on non-COVID related care. In addition, 27 million people now face extreme poverty due to the economic drop. With limited access to resource, the test-trace-isolate-treat method, which was implemented to stop the spread, is difficult to carry out effectively and accurately.

On August 18^th, the Mozambican Government announced its plan to resume economic and social activity in Mozambique. While safety precautions are still in place, including non-essential business closures, face covering requirements in any public place or gathering of people, and a strict quarantine requirement for any new arrival into the country, the Phase 1 reopening of the state has begun, with a resumption of higher education classes, classes in the schools of security and defense, education training classes, and medical training classes, as well as an increased participation in funeral or religious ceremonies to 50 people. For more information, visit this page for a detailed outline of these emergency measures.

In Eswatini, lockdown has been extended indefinitely. Required safety measures such the wearing of face-masks in public places and avoidance of large gathers are still in place. Border access is restricted, preventing visitors from entering the country, especially from high-risk countries.  In addition to external travel bans, internal travel is restricted, which has greatly weakened the economy. Goods and services cannot reach the rural areas, and reduced hospitality and tourism income has impeded our ability to pay our workers and feed our communities. 

We need YOUR help to provide relief to our communities, which have been severely affected by the spread of COVID-19.

What We’re Doing to Help

At One Heart Africa, our focus has shifted to relief efforts in both Eswatini and Mozambique. Despite the closure of Sharing Hope Preschool due to COVID-19, OHA is working to continue providing food to the students and their families. Due to our generous donors and student sponsors, our school staff is still receiving partial salary despite Sharing Hope Preschool’s closure.

Additionally, Lubombo Valley Farms is carrying out normal production, which is donated to the local community due to the lack of demand as the area continues to be affected by the rise in cases. Unfortunately, due to the decrease in income from hospitality and tourism venues, One Heart Africa’s clientele is reduced.

In response to this reduction and the strain COVID-19 has placed on our communities, One Heart Africa is launching a clean water campaign to raise funds to service two of our existing wells and to build a new one on site of the farm in Mozambique. Our goal is to raise $3,000 in donations to make this possible. A portion of these donations will also be used for relief from the virus wherever possible. This includes making sure the slaries of our staff working on our farms are paid in addition to the funding of our clean water projects.

Because of the restrictions on travel within the area, trade venues are not travelling to the rural areas. OHA is currently working to boost the economy in those areas by instating a Kombi service in order to shuttle goods and services to our communities.

While the situation is dire, there are helping hands tirelessly working to reduce the affects of COVID-19 in our communities.

We at One Heart Africa would like to thank our partners at Comfort For Africa, who have helped us feed the communities we work with, for their insurmountable efforts. We are striving to relieve the economic stress affecting our communities due to COVID-19. Our volunteers continue to work unfalteringly, whether it’s at a distance or locally in Mozambique and Eswatini, but we need YOUR help.

What YOU Can Do TO Help: Our Water Relief Campaign

OHA is launching a clean water campaign beginning this week. Help us meet our goal!

Goal: Raise $3,000 for COVID-19 relief and clean water projects.

Objectives:

            1. Aid in COVID-19 relief efforts wherever possible

            2. Service the well on site at Lubombo Valley Farms

            3. Service the well on site at Sharing Hope Preschool

            4. Build a new well on site at our farm in Mozambique

Click on the link to buy a shirt or donate to help us get water access and COVID-19 relief to our communities!

Click here to buy a shirt or donate!

Stay posted for updates on our social media platforms!

References

• Johns Hopkins University CSSE https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html 
  • Graph Compiled By Wits University and iThemba LABS
• COVID-19 in Africa: The Spread and Response by Massinga Loembé, M., Tshangela, and A., Salyer, published in the Nature Medicine Journal https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0961-x#citeas
• Africa CDC https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/38264-doc-africa_joint_continental_strategy_for_covid-19_outbreak.pdf
• U.S. Embassy in Mozambique https://mz.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
• U.S. Embassy in Eswatini https://sz.usembassy.gov/

Hey Y’all,

And we’re back for the third Wednesday of #WhyIWentWednesday ! After the hustle and bustle of last week’s Fall 2019 OHA Update live-stream (link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1402461786578236/?active_tab=discussion ), we are happy to get back on track with our regularly scheduled happenings.  This week’s is written by PJ Tuohy, enjoy!

“My first thought when I was invited to go, was “I need to go anywhere bu here”. Thinking more upon this, I figured, “I can go anywhere in the world – so what makes this trip different?” I started to think about all of my friends and all of the places I have seen them go on social media. Many come back with stories; but what was striking to me about this thought was that most people come back with stories about themselves.

It was an amazing trip. I did in fact come back with a story full of beautiful countries where nature is absolutely breathtaking. I came back with the stories of the lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. The stories of the fun nights with good friends. The stories of new foods, and culture. But there was also so much more.

This was when I started thinking of trips from people who have helped others. Their stories were always about others and how they could be of use. Not only was this a trip where I can come back and talk about the things I saw and the things I did; this was also a story about other people – and a view of life that was not my own. I knew this trip would be one that changed me, but I had no idea what that meant until I was on the plane ride back.

I am a pretty carefree person, but I wanted to change that. I wanted to care about something – and I wanted to know that I would not be the only one who cared about this “something”. I know I have talents, but I haven’t seen myself use them in a way in which someone else was inspired to not even listen but replicate. On this trip, I felt this way. Whether I was learning about sustainable farming, or talking to people about their lives, teaching others what I know, or physically working on something – I was doing something that would make an impact that would last beyond the dates I had taken off of work. 

This is the trip that people ask me about most. Others are eager to learn more, and glimpse into a life, where they too can help. Many people are debating to themselves, “When or how can I go on a trip like this?” If that is the way you are thinking already, I urge you to dive headfirst into this world – because regardless of what you have to offer, absolutely everything you do helps and will continue to help for others long after you return.”

Want to be like PJ and dive headfirst into our OHA family at our programs in Eswatini and Mozambique? Join us on our upcoming trip this Decemebr / January or apply for a volunteer position (located under oneheartafrica.org/give). For more information about the upcoming trip please visit oneheartafrica.org/go or email jami@oneheartafrica.org.

Hey Y’all,

It’s the second Wednesday of #WhyIWentWednesday ! Help yourself get over the hump day by reading this inspiring blog by one of our previous inters, Gabrielle Glenn. Enjoy!

“Africa was always that place I wanted to venture to, but never thought I would make it to the great land itself. After my senior year of high school I knew I wanted to go somewhere new and unexpected before I began the new season of college. My parents and friends thought I was a tad of crazy when I decided to use all of my graduation money that summer to fly 16 hours away with two interns, or more accurately, two strangers.  Maybe I was a little bit crazy. I was walking into uncharted territory and signing up for a month and a half of service with an organization that sounded cool, but I didn’t know loads about. 

Hugging my parents goodbye as they sent off their 18 year old daughter to travel into an unfamiliar country was a little tough. I had some doubts about my journey, until I began my journey. Then it was all peace and so much joy. Those two interns who were at first strangers, they became my good friends, one being one of my best friends to this day. That place I didn’t know much about called One Heart Africa, well it became one of the nearest and dearest places in my heart. Those days sitting on the dusty ground washing my laundry in a cold bucket, those were simple days I wish I could go back to. The many days going to the local care points in Siteki to give out produce to the little ones in the school, dancing in circles and being silly with them as they smiled endlessly with their pearly whites, oh my I wish I could travel back in time to those moments. 

I gained so much perspective on my narrow view of life when I decided to have a little faith and jump on a plane with some strangers to become a summer intern at OHA. I could tell you countless stories about my time living on the farm in Swaziland or staying in Mozambique, but there’s too many wonderful stories to even count. All I can say is I’ve learned that in moments of uncertainty, remember that there’s so much more perspective to gain when we choose to interact with the faces, places, and spaces around us. 

People: that’s what I would go back for. Like our little munchkin’s, Piti and Fiso, who lived on the farm with us, they would act like my arms were literal monkey bars. Or the kindest and most beautiful mama, Figlile – a woman of so much tender love and compassion. Those people.. they’re just a few of the beautiful hearts I was so blessed to get to know. My heart will always have a deep love for OHA, oh yes it will. “- Gabrielle Glenn

Thats right Gabrielle, connecting to the locals & our OHA family at our programs in Eswatini and Mozambique is often cited as the best part of any trip for most visitors. We love our OHA family both at home and abraod and we would love for you to meet them! For more information about the upcoming trip please visit oneheartafrica.org/go or email jami@oneheartafrica.org.

Hey Y’all,

Miss us? We are back on the blogging game! Every Wednesday we will be posting a #WhyIWentWednesday to promote our upcoming Winter 2019 Team Service Trip. This week’s is from one of our latest visitors, Alexandra Tendler. Enjoy!

“When I think back to my first initial thoughts before booking my trip to Eswatini and Mozambique, I remember feelings of wonder and curiosity.  I felt this buzzing, infectious excitement to see, feel and learn more about the world. From the moment I booked my flights to actually boarding the plane to South Africa, I knew I was about to experience a trip of a lifetime.

 Despite having very few expectations or much knowledge of where I was going, I was well aware that this trip would be different from all the others I have taken. I’ve seen much of Europe and have been as far as the Middle East, but Africa was entirely uncharted territory for me. And having grown up in a rural American farm town, I knew my upbringing was sheltered. There was so much of the world I have wanted to see and when the opportunity arose to immerse myself in an entirely different culture and way of life I jumped at the chance. I was so thrilled but nervous and uncertain of what it would actually be like. I had some notion of what Africa looked like from books or movies, but my mind still struggled to fully wrap my head around where I was going and how I would react to it all. Yet it was this unknown that propelled me forward and made me even more excited to get there and get my hands dirty with experience. 

Also when I thought about this trip, I had this deep longing to do something meaningful for a change and help make a difference, however small, for a child, parent, or anyone in need. Visiting the Sharing Hope preschool in Mozambique was one of the things I was most looking forward to. I didn’t necessarily know what kind of impact I could make or how I could help people and children dealing with poverty or situations I could never possibly imagine, but I felt encouraged to go on this trip to meet the students, staff and do everything I could to brighten their day.

Having now been to Eswatini and Mozambique, it is funny to consider the optimistic, slightly naïve and open-minded version of myself from before this trip. The version of myself who took that spontaneous leap to see Africa and who had so many hopes and some fears too for what lied ahead. The version of myself who had no idea what she would be doing or seeing but knowing that this trip was right. And if only I could tell her or have reassured her that she made the best decision and found her visit to Eswatini and Mozambique to be so fulfilling, humbling and replete with humility and kindness. 

It was the kind of trip that still crosses my mind and courses through my veins everyday. I day dream of the dark skies at night that glow with bright, white stars as far as the eye could see or the laughter of the school children whose faces burst with happiness, the calm wisdom of the school teachers, and the friendly politeness of so many people that started as strangers and became quick friends. 

I would choose to see Africa a million times over and now the next question is how soon can I go back?”- Alex Tendler

Well Alex, to answer your question we just so happen to have a trip planned for this upcoming December / January! For more information about the upcoming trip please visit oneheartafrica.org/go or email jami@oneheartafrica.org.

Hi Everyone!

My name is Gabrielle, also referred to as Jabu (my SiSwati name), and I am one of the 3 interns here at One Heart Africa this summer! I’m the youngest of the crew; I’m 18 and just finished high school! I will be attending Lee University in the fall to pursue a degree in journalism and a minor in intercultural studies. I have a huge passion for missions, and loving people – and I’m so excited to be here this summer to truly live and learn all about One Heart Africa and the difference they are making here!

Living in Swaziland so far is incomparable to any place I’ve ever ventured to. I’ve been on several mission trips to Haiti and traveled to many countries in the world, but there’s something different about this place! Living here has really helped me appreciate the beauty of their culture. The people here are so genuine and honest – the love here is simply awe-inspiring. With that comes the desperate need, and that is where One Heart Africa comes in to play. Being here over 3 weeks now, I can already see the huge impact that OHA is making on this community. OHA does more than just farm or feed, they are truly educating, empowering, and equipping the community. It’s hard to really see that when it’s not right in front of you, but let me tell you – big things are happening here and I can’t wait to help communicate that in these next few weeks!

I will be writing to you occasionally, as well as the other interns, as we all take part in heading up the media for OHA these next few months!

As for now, it was so nice to meet you!

Until next time,

Jabu

The following blog is by summer 2017 OHA Media Intern, Emma Welborn. 

As I think about the past couple of weeks, one thing that comes to my mind is overcoming. The days here are a much slower pace than the days back home, and through this slower pace of life we learn efficiency and priority. But, there are some things that cannot be helped and they never cease to get in the way. We have overcome Wi-Fi difficulties, which is tough considering all of us interns are here for media related purposes. Nonetheless, we battled around that and found ways to make use of our time through helping with the farm, teaching us things we would have never thought of otherwise, like aquaponics (basically using fish poop to grow plants). We also had the opportunity to go to a Care Point, a school for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs), and were able to see the workings of a 14-year volunteer who sacrifices her life to help these children. Having no Wi-Fi gave us time to delve into the Word, and figure out our purpose for this trip and to form deeper bonds with one another.

In case you didn’t know, the food in Africa is different than that of the United States. Though we have been careful (drinking only filtered water), we have battled food poisoning, and are working to overcome a stomach bug. Combine this with homesickness and lack of sleep, one can see where it’s easy for us to lose focus of our mission. But, through many pep talks and forced joy, we have learnt to be there for each other and to work together to overcome the curse of bad health.

So, three weeks in and we are realizing how imperfect the human is, but how perfect our God is. We are able to form lesson plans for teenage girls, take photos to narrate the lives of the local workers, spend days running errands all over Swaziland to fuel a nonprofit, and grow deeper in faith and friendship with one another.

While it is easy to look back and only see the hard things we would not have had to face in the comforts of our own homes, it is refreshing to know how much God works in His own ways, and to see just how strong we are as a team. One Heart Africa is doing amazing things, but it is not without difficulty. I have been able to see the work Anna and Ryan put in every day, and trust me, the payoff is beautiful. Families clothed and fed, children going to school, a light in a world of darkness, oh the things we have overcome.

 

 

For the past two months, we’ve had this gem of an intern. It’s about time we get to introduce her to you! Presenting… Intern Won the Swan.  🙂

 

Hey there OHA followers!

So good to finally meet you. I’m Yee Won, your first official One Heart Africa intern! I’m so excited to be here on the ground in Swaziland serving with Ryan and Anna. For the next three months I’ll be working as OHA’s multimedia intern, taking care of social media, blogging, and some administrative things. So what brought me here? The thrill. Jesus. And the internship requirements for my degree.

I’m a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I’m a double major in communication & Spanish. At UTC, I fell in love with photojournalism after taking a class with my most favorite professor, Billy Weeks. He taught me that making images can produce change in a way that guns or knives can never do. I’m excited to use media as an avenue for storytelling because it’s one of the best ways I know. Telling people’s stories through images is powerful, and allows others to see people and places they may never. It sparks change, shows growth, and connects people. OHA has such an amazing story to tell, and I truly am honored to be a part of telling it.

I hope this summer will be a time of growth for me! I’m in a totally new place, with a new culture, and a new community. I’ve never really done anything like this before. My prayer is that God will allow me to see people the way He sees them. From each little Mozambaby’s hand I hold, to the kokos we will pray with during home visits, I hope that God uses this summer to shape me to look more like Him.

When I go home, I want to be able to show people my work—images and videos that can clearly represent what OHA is doing. I want to have created beautiful, meaningful things, and have helped the CEO’s out in a noticeable way. I hope this summer is something that will stretch me, and test me, and grow me for the better.

Africa, I am here for you.

Leggo!

You may have recently seen some pictures on our various social media pages about our vegetable gardens and greenhouses making progress over in Swaziland. But what exactly is the significance of this sustainable farming you’re hearing so much about?

Sustainability is a word that has surfaced in the past 30 or so years to address ecological, economic, political and cultural development, and it basically means the endurance of systems and processes.

In the case of One Heart Africa’s farm in Swaziland, sustainability means the change of livelihood of those living in poverty. It’s easy to ask for money to provide food and resources for those in need, but the aid only helps as long as it takes to expend it. So what can be done?

Thanks to a partnership with Harvests of Hope, we’ve developed a farm using organic seeds, pine dust, and animal manure that will yield crops for years to come! We’ve also built custom shade gardens that house 800 plants each. Since the plants aren’t getting as much sun as they typically would if they were out in the open, they try harder to get to the sun, which means they grow faster. Our crops are in individual seedling bags filled with very nutrient-rich soil, which means they require little water. This is also a plus, since the area we plant in can experience drought. We don’t use pesticides, and the greenhouses cut down on soil erosion and protect the soil’s nutrients.

HIV affects many families in the village, and one way to keep them healthy is by providing healthy food to keep them strong. Even if an HIV-positive individual takes the proper medication, it means very little if they do not receive proper nutrition. The OHA farm seeks to be an avenue where these families can get the food they need for free.

Not only does the farm support impoverished families, but it provides jobs for them. Poverty rips families apart by forcing one or both of the parents to leave their homes to seek work in different cities or even different countries. The children are then left in the care of a friend or relative, they don’t get the care they need, and the poverty cycle continues.

OHA believes that families should be together. Period. We seek to break this cycle by providing on-the-job training and steady, ethical employment through the profits from a portion of the crops. Our goal is to build guesthouses on the property so that each family that works with us can stay together.

Thank you, each and every one of you, for your continued interest and support in the work happening in Africa. We are so excited about everything going on, and look forward to sharing all the great developments in the villages there that have stolen our hearts!