The Children
It is wonderful to see the children growing and developing emotionally and physically over time. I am pleased to report that all the children were well when they were taken to their extended family homesteads for the holidays. Many had started to pack their bags one week before the end of term in anticipation. On the last day of the school term the Primary school did not break up until well after midday, and so we did not commence our trips out to the bush until around 2pm.

As before, there were mixed reactions from the groups of children we transported. Some piled into the cars enthusiastically until they were jammed in like sardines and sang joyously about going home to see their relatives and friends, whereas others sat quietly and pensively. Maybe they were thinking about the fact that there would not be much to eat for the next few weeks, or earlier times when their parents had still been alive, or recalling abuse from distant relatives. Each time we stopped on the roadside to let children off there would be general chaos - children clambering over each other and spilling out, dragging their few belongings behind them. Sr. Anna Maria, Heather, the Cabrini Mission Corps volunteer, and Agatha, the Hostel mother, are visiting the children regularly over the holidays to check their health, their food status, and monitor their general well-being. The children know that if they have problems at home, they can always come back to the mission, which gives them a sense of security.

Christmas
On the last Sunday before the children were dismissed for the summer vacation, we held a Christmas Party. As with all parties, there was much excitement and much planning for weeks before the event. The day before the festivities, Heather and Sr. Anna Maria helped the children to decorate the dining hall with balloons, a “Christmas tree,” and tinsel.

Over the last term we have been fortunate to have a 23 year-old Swazi woman named Winile working with us. Winile is an old acquaintance of Cabrini, having been sponsored by Sr. Raphael while a pupil at St. Philip’s school. She has become a great friend to all the hostel children, like a sister or little mother to them, and is hoping to commence nursing training next year. With input from the hostel staff and children, Winile was instrumental in devising a concert routine for the Christmas party. The routine lasted nearly two hours and included traditional and modern dancing, singing, sketches, and poems. One condition for the day was that all children had to participate in at least one performance, ensuring that everyone took part in one way or another. There was much preparation and many rehearsals in the month prior, which resulted in a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment.

After the concert, all the children received a wrapped gift (items distributed included gifts sent by sponsors). A group of Portuguese people from town, who get together regularly to support the needy, very generously provided most of the food for the day. The children had requested barbequed meat (chicken and beef), rice, coleslaw, potato salad, and beetroot salad, followed by ice cream and cake. Also included was a bag of sweets for each child! The children were so full they could hardly move. They enjoyed themselves immensely, as did everyone involved.

After the meal, the children examined each other’s gifts, shared them around, and danced to the music. When darkness fell, we had fireworks to end the evening. Needless to say, everyone slept well that night!

Education
Over the last term, along with the hostel staff and the Cabrini community, Winile co-ordinated a study program for all the children. Most enjoyed a structured study/homework time each night, and overall their results at the end of term illustrated the benefits. We were fortunate to receive many sturdy, second-hand desks from America and placed them in the dining hall for use by the older children. They love having their own place to study and store their books.

The prize-giving ceremony I mentioned last time went very well. We held it one evening in the dining hall and presented all children who had achieved within the top 10 positions in each grade with a new cap, a smart pen, and pencil. Initially there was some jealousy, as anticipated, but it seems to have achieved the desired effect, with many children working harder at their school work.

After consultation with the Hostel staff, we have decided to move seven of the bigger girls and six of the boys to the Senior Boarding House. We announced this at a Tinkundla meeting, when all the children were present. Some seemed surprised, and some began to cry because they did not want to move. We reassured them that they are all still part of the Hostel program and are free to visit us whenever they like. The boys that were moved across last year have been regular visitors to our house this year and it is nice that they want to keep close contact.

HIV/AIDS
Limited anti-retroviral drugs are now available in Swaziland and plans are underway to provide voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in the clinics. This will be a program requiring much sensitivity. Already some of the local youth group have been tested, providing a good role model for all young people. Support groups are planned for those testing positive to teach them how best to look after themselves.

However, enduring traditional beliefs, such as thinking that infected people have been bewitched or poisoned by jealous friends or relatives, tend to get in the way of mainstream HIV/AIDS education programs. As more and more of the middle generation die and the HIV/AIDS infection rate continues to escalate, we realize that we must concentrate our energies on the young Swazi generation, and try and save them through ongoing education from the very beginning.

New Hostel
The new hostel is nearing completion at last. We plan to fill it gradually and screen all applicants carefully. As I have mentioned previously, we have used local labour on the project, which was a steep learning curve for all involved! Our next task will be to appoint staff and we have a long list of Swazi women wanting work.

One of the Swazi Servite sisters, Sr. Veronica, has agreed to take on a pastoral care role with the Hostel children. She is a gentle, elderly, maternal woman and we are delighted to have the opportunity to involve another Swazi with the children. There are three Servite sisters on the mission. Sr. Pauline is younger, and in charge of the Senior Boy and Girl Boarders, and Sr. Ave teaches Sunday school and helps Sr. Pauline with shopping.

Donations
Thank you to everyone who has donated items for the children. While Henk and I were in America for the Assembly in October, we received more beautiful clothing and flip-flops (thongs). Goods in the process of being transported from Melbourne include bags of wool, toys, books, and beautiful dolls. Thank you for your generosity.

Useful Items

• Second-hand VHS movies
• Clothing and underwear
• Second hand dolls – these are the most popular toys - both boys and girls play with them
• Crayons, coloured pencils, and stickers for artwork (I have decided to stop requesting felt-tipped pens as they tend to dry out very quickly in the hot climate, even though they are enjoyed by the children)
• Used stamps
• Long skipping ropes and balls of all types

All donated goods can be sent to:
Cabrini Mission Foundation:
222 East 19th Street, Suite 5E,
New York, NY 10003
or Cabrini Hospital, Melbourne.

Thank you for all the items that you have sent. Your interest and support is always appreciated.

Please click here to learn more about Sponsoring a Child in Swaziland.

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