Let's give girls training for a vibrant future

What do you get when you have 3 huge greenhouses, carefully prepared vegetable beds, gently fed with drip hoses, and some pest free seedlings? Those elements equate to juicy tomatoes, crunchy peppers, and sweet English cucumbers! 

At the Sandra Jones Centre, AFCA has given our young girls the opportunity to learn the skills they needs to become independent, to feed their families in the future but most importantly each one of the girls who come to the Training Centre is assured that she is loved.

In 2017, Cassie arrived at the Centre. She was shy, lacked confidence and felt like she was worthless. She began working on the first greenhouse and as they all toiled together carrying 50kg bags of compost and digging the beds, Cassie discovered not just new friendships but a sisterhood of girls who shared her pain. Soon she became one of our hardest workers and quickly integrated into the life and social phenomena that brings healing and restoration to all who walk through the doors. Cassie's infectious laugh can be heard as she works out in the paddock. She admits that setting up the greenhouse was hard work but it gave her a sense of pride that she had achieved so much. Her smile paints the picture of their success as she plants the first crop of green peppers. Now she feels she is loved, accepted and that she has value.

Lisa was a child bride. She had 3 children to her older husband, before she arrived at the Centre. She realizes that she has a family that is dependant on her. She rises each morning and faces the day with a song. She relishes the opportunity to learn skills that she will one day be able to use to feed her family. In a country where there is 90% unemployment, she knows that she must grab every opportunity.

These are just two of the girls who have benefited from the greenhouses. This year we have had a bumper crop of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers.   Some of these vegetables are sold in the markets and the rest supplements the diets of the children at the Centre. Being able to grow crops year round has meant that we have had a steady income. My staff and I are so grateful to AFCA for their continued support of the Centre. The visit of your team earlier this year was such an encouragement to us all. We can write the statistics of amounts raised, checks and balances but the impact to each girl whose life was saved from abuse is immeasurable. Thank you for being a part of their journey and for giving them the chance to face the future with a song and a smile.

The team here at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS thanks you for supporting this project and the work we do for the children in Africa.  As you start to make decisions regarding your end of year giving, please keep us in mind so we can continue our good work into 2019 and beyond.  We wish you a new year full of many blessings and as much hope as you have shared with us.  If you would like to learn even more about what we do or how you can meet some of the children you have helped, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@AFCAids.org. 

The green house project is the most productive project we have.  No matter the season we are able to grow vegetables abundantly under shelter and covered facilities. This has grown our income by being able to produce more vegetables and we are excited at what more options we can look at for our green houses.

We are currently growing cucumbers and they are growing very, very well. We have started selling them to a local store and market and also on site from the Centre. They are large in size and are in demand in Zimbabwe because it is outside the growing season. Most are imported in from South Africa so ours are in high demand and selling quickly. These are currently being sold for $1.25 each. 

The cherry tomatoes are growing incredibly well and we will harvest in October. We are excited about this harvest as there are so many growing and we will be able to make a profit from this.  The December price may go up so we are expecting to generate a higher income from this.

Green to red peppers are currently growing and are also doing great. They are small at the moment but continue to grow so we will harvest roughly in two months time. In December these will be in high demand so we are expecting a great sale from these.

We are really excited about receiving and putting up another green house in the future with another 4-8 (depending on the size) being offered to us over a four year period. We are so grateful for this opportunity because it has changed the way we are farming and using our land as a resource. Exciting times ahead!

Everyone here at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS, and our partners in Africa. thank you for your continued support of this important project.  If you would like to learn even more about this project and others, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@AFCAids.org.