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SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS
Mthombe Fields – Food & Income generating
Currently there are 8 fields ploughed and planted, growing foods for our NCPs. These crops include Corn/Maize, Beans, Peanuts, and even a few Pumpkins! These fields will produce a crop of food that will be used to directly feed our NCPs, as well as generate income with the selling of peanuts at the market; this will supply the income for plowing and planting next years crop. Approximate cost of Phase 1, currently underway: $5000 / E 35,000, which paid for plowing, buying seeds, fencing, and compensation for workers. It is also important to note that the community members who are working these fields are very excited to be involved in such a project! The land for the fields was given by members of the community, also excited to help the NCPs provide food to hungry children.
Status of project: Phase 1, currently in process of fencing fields to help keep the cows and pigs away from our maize! Phase 2 will begin shortly, and includes creating a small dam in the river, which we will run a pipe from to create a gravity-based irrigation system, where the water flows from a constant source, the Mthombe river. Phase 2 cost is still being calculated, and will include fair wages for workers. There may be a need for a storage tank to facilitate controlled irrigation
Mgungundlovu Fields – Food generating
With approximately 5 Hectares available to us, we have a great resource of land here for plowing and planting a full crop of beans and corn, which will supply the bulk of our 8 NCPs’ main meal source. The community cannot wait to get this project up and running, as many meetings have been held in anticipation for this land to become fruitful and productive! Status of project: currently planning for the drilling of the borehole for water, and putting up fencing around land.
Borehole Project – Health & Food generating, income potential
Of our 8 NCPs, 5 of them need boreholes drilled for a constant water supply, and 1 of them needs the borehole on their land fixed for their community, as they currently carry water 3km from the lake ‘near’ by. A constant supply of water is a critical resource for a myriad of things, most importantly, the children and health. Yet, additionally, with flowing water, many more things are possible, such as gardens, fields, and empowerment projects that require water as an ingredient in production.
Tractor Project – Income generating
Owning a Tractor in an economy of agriculture is a long-term, income generating business investment that WILL be a valuable investment for KC. It is projected that the tractor will pay for itself within 3 years, and then be fully supporting the work of KC with its income. The tractor will reside in a secure location, operated and managed by a KC board member, driven by KC staff, rented as available. The tractor will remain in the Manzini region, yet the income supplied by the rental of the KC tractor will provide funds for plowing the areas were KC does not own a tractor, such as Mthombe and Mgungundlovu.
Status of project: currently pricing tractors (new and used); researching investors/loan options.
Small Garden Projects – Health & Income generating
Owning a Tractor in an economy of agriculture is a long-term, income generating business investment that WILL be a valuable investment for KC. It is projected that the tractor will pay for itself within 3 years, and then be fully supporting the work of KC with its income. The tractor will reside in a secure location, operated and managed by a KC board member, driven by KC staff, rented as available. The tractor will remain in the Manzini region, yet the income supplied by the rental of the KC tractor will provide funds for ploughing the areas were KC does not own a tractor, such as Mthombe and Mgungundlovu. Status of project: currently pricing tractors $57, 143 (E400, 000); researching investors/loan options.
Caregiver Empowerment Projects – Income generating for the mothers-teachers who volunteer
Our caregivers and teachers are volunteers who work seemingly endless hours for free, committed to the health, safety, education, and spirits of our most vulnerable young ones. Current budget restrictions does not allow that we pay them living wages, but only give them small incentives along the way. With such dedicated volunteers, it is our obligation to give them opportunities for business and family security as they continue to do the work of the community. Small business opportunities such as beekeeping, goat rearing, chicken rearing, candle making and farming. Vaseline making using aloe are brilliant ways for our volunteers to earn a small wage, supported by us, as well as continue with their task of caring for the communities’ children. Approximate cost per project will vary; research is underway to find out feasibility, interest, and success viability in areas.
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PROJECT NAME |
TYPE |
PROJECTED START DATE |
BASIC INFO & PROJECT STATUS |
BOTTOMLINE |
Mthombe
Fields |
Food & income Generating |
Phase 1:
Nov 2011
Phase 2:
May 2012 |
Phase 1: Eight (8) fields have been plowed and planted, growing foods for our NCPs. These crops include Corn/Maize, Beans, Peanuts, and even a few Pumpkins! These fields will produce a crop of food that will be used to directly feed our NCPs, as well as generate income with the selling of peanuts at the market; this will supply the income for plowing and planting next years crop.
Phase 1 funding paid for plowing, buying seeds, fencing, and compensation for workers. The land for the fields were given by community members excited to help NCPs provide food to hungry children. It is also important to note that the community members who are working these fields are very excited to be involved in such a project!
Phase 2: Set to begin shortly, includes creating a small dam in the river, and running a hose-pipe, creating a gravity-based irrigation system, where the water flows from a constant source, the Mthombe river. Phase 2 cost is still being calculated, and will include fair wages for workers. |
Phase 1:
E 35,000
$ 5500
Phase 2:
To be determined |
Mgungundlovu
Fields |
Food Generating |
Phase 1:
Jan 2012
Phase 2:
Season for plowing, around August. |
The NCP sites on approximately 5 Hectares of land, which the umphakatsi (local chiefdom government) has granted to KC. It’s a great resource of land for plowing and planting a full crop of beans and corn, which will supply the bulk of our 8 NCPs’ main meal source. The community cannot wait to get this project up and running, as many meetings have been held in anticipation for this land to become fruitful and productive!
Phase 1, which we are currently implementing, includes fencing the land, drilling and installing the borehole, installing a plastic water tank for collection, and compensation for workers.
Phase 2 includes plowing, seed purchase, and compensation for workers. |
Phase 1:
WILL HAVE SOON
Phase 2:
Estimated
E 9500
$ 1400 |
Water Accessibility Projects
-- Boreholes |
Health Generating |
As funds become available |
A constant water supply is a challenge in the rural setting, and yet is a critical resource for a myriad of things, most importantly, the children and health. Yet, with flowing water, many more things are possible, such as gardens, fields, and empowerment projects that require water as an ingredient in production. We are working on ensuring water accessibility at ALL NCPs. Additionally, this project is in alignment with the WASH (Water Access, Sanitation & Hygiene) program, a country-wide initiative.
The UNICEF WASH Coordinator has generously offered to liaison for us, as well has help with pumps and labor donations.
Sites with a critical need for a borehole:
Mgungundlovu, Mgazini, Bhiliya, Shewula, and Mliba. |
Drilling and casing, plus travel, per borehole:
E 30,000
$ 4300
Land Survey per site:
E 2800
$ 400 |
Tractor for Rent |
Income Generating |
As funds become available |
Owning a Tractor in an economy of agriculture is a long-term, income generating business investment that WILL be a valuable investment for KC. It is projected that the tractor will pay for itself within 3 years, and then be fully supporting the work of KC with its income. The tractor will reside in a secure location, operated and managed by a KC board member, driven by KC staff, rented as available. The tractor will remain in the Manzini region, yet the income supplied by the rental of the KC tractor will provide funds for plowing the areas were KC does not own a tractor, such as Mthombe and Mgungundlovu. |
Tractor, plus plow and trailer:
E 325,000
$ 46,500 |
Veggie Gardens |
Food, Health, & Income Generatiing |
As funds become available |
Each NCP has basic land that surrounds the area, which is perfect for local vegetable gardens. With constant water supply, gardens can be grown year round, supplying vegetables for children who rarely get them, as well as a small source of income through the sales of the remaining veggies not fed to the kids.
Veggies are seasonal; current gardens with water are growing Spinach, Lettuce, and Green (Bell) Peppers.
Currently, Mthombe & Mgungundlovu who have water access already are growing small gardens. |
1 Packet of Seeds:
E 15
$2 |
Caregiver Empowerment Projects |
Income Generating |
As funds become available |
Our caregivers and teachers are volunteers who work seemingly endless hours for almost free, committed to the health, safety, education, and spirits of our most vulnerable young ones. Current budget restrictions do not allow that we pay them living wages, but only give them small incentives along the way. With such dedicated volunteers, it is our obligation to help them create opportunities for business and family security as they continue to do the work of the community.
Small business opportunities, such as: Beekeeping, Goat Rearing, Chicken Rearing, Candle Making, Vaseline Making Using Aloe are brilliant ways for our volunteers to earn a small wage, supported by us, as well as continue with their task of caring for the communities’ children.
Cost per project will vary; research is underway to find out feasibility, interest, and success viability in areas. |
TBD, per project |
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