Press Release

U.S. Embassy Awards Grants for Numerous Development Projects in the Kingdom of Swaziland

November 8, 2007

MBABANE – On behalf of the United States Government (USG), Ambassador Maurice Parker awarded grants totaling approximately E260,000 (USD 40,000) to fund ten(10)Swazi initiated development projects located throughout Swaziland.  The handover ceremony of these awards was held on November 8 at the American Center.

The grants are through a program entitled the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program (SHP), which is designed to assist small-scale development projects that are directed towards improving basic socio-economic conditions.  The primary objective is to help themselves at the grass-roots level.

The SHP seeks to build the capacity of local communities to help them become more self-reliant and able to initiate and continue similar activities without US assistance. A key advantage of SHP is that it allows Ambassadors to respond quickly to local community development requests in extending assistance directly to people rather than on a government-to-government basis.

This year (2007) several SHP projects initiated by Swazis will occur in the country’s four regions: Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo.  Some SHP grant recipients will use funds to purchase building/roofing materials, borehole and irrigation materials, sewing machines, and equipment for income generating poultry project and school furniture.

Projects Which Received 2007 Grants From the Ambassador's Self-Help Program

• Nokuthula High School, Manzini: USD 3,846 (approximately E25,000) to purchase building/roofing materials the construction of five pit latrines. The pit latrines will be made available to more than 100 pupils. 
• Mafutseni Nazarene Primary School, Manzini: USD 4,485 (approximately E29, 150) for the purchase of borehole materials and accessories. The borehole will help ensure 543 school kids (177 OVC) and the local health clinic -have a reliable access to clean water. 
• Vusweni Primary School, Manzini: USD 3,669 (approximately E23,850) to purchase borehole materials and accessories. The borehole will help ensure 574 pupils (246 OVC) have access to a reliable supply of clean water.
• Lutsala Sewing Association, Lubombo: USD 2,067 (approximately E13,435) to purchase additional sewing machines to help the Ndzevane-based Lutsala Sewing Association increase its output and diversify its product base to include bed spreads, curtains, school uniforms, two-piece suits, etc. Lutsala seeks to alleviate poverty in the Ndzevane community through the creation of job opportunities for its 26 members (21 females and 5 males).
• Nkiliji Primary School, Manzini: USD 3,538 (approximately  E23,000) to purchase irrigation materials for a 5-ha piece of land.  With an enrollment of 527 pupils (214 OVC), the school intends to grow vegetables and crops to help pupils acquire practical skills in addition to a balanced diet. Additionally, sales proceeds should help subsidize the payment of school fees and the purchase of school uniforms for orphans and vulnerable children. 
• Elwandle Primary School, Manzini: USD 6,395 (approximately E41,565) for the purchase of equipment and supplies for the expansion of an income generating poultry project. The poultry project should help enrich the school feeding scheme. In addition, sales proceeds should help cover medical expenses for orphans and vulnerable children and they should also cover the operating costs for a 25-pupil Grade Zero class (24 OVC).
• Phumelela OVC Center, Shiselweni: USD 3,177 (approximately E20,650) for the purchase of building/ roofing materials to construct a classroom, a kitchen and a storeroom to provide basic instruction (free of charge) and cook hot meals for 40 orphans and vulnerable children from the Mabande Community.
• Mkhondvo Primary School, Shiselweni: USD 8,923 (approximately E58,000) for the provision of  school furniture, teachers’ desks/chairs and building materials. Mkhondvo Primary School, with an enrollment of 335 pupils (95 OVC), is located in a remote part of Swaziland characterized by adverse economic conditions. Academic results have been consistently sub-standard and the school lacks adequate furniture for pupils and teachers. In addition, classes are held in a partially finished structure.
• Nqabaneni Pre-School, Manzini: USD 1,962 (approximately E12,750) to purchase building/roofing materials for the completion of a pre-school.  Upon completion, the pre-school will double its current enrollment of 15 kids.
• Enhlanganisweni High School, Hhohho: USD 1,938 (approximately E12,600) to purchase shelving materials to complete a computer laboratory to be used by 488 students (73 OVC).