The Journey Continues
Today was our first full day in the Eastern Cape, and we spent the morning in the small community of Tipini, in Mthata, assisting with a quarterly food distribution. This is a community that originally was comprised of about 100 families, mostly coming from rural areas surrounding Mthata seeking employment in better lives. When opportunities failed, they were forced to erect shacks in a landfill area that was essentially a dump and would scavenge for any materials they could sell. Due to an increase in crime, in 2012, the local government forced the residents from their makeshift homes and demolished the settlement.
Some of this community was relocated to 19 buildings of government housing, where today over 200 people now live in this overcrowded space, often several families sharing a small cement room. Only one outside water source is located behind some of the decaying cement walls. The residents of Tipini continue to experience the daily challenges of high unemployment, crime, and gender-based violence, lack of food, and drug and alcohol abuse. The 57 parcels provided today will bring much-needed nutrition to families for the weeks to come.
Board chair, Ed Luterbach, had a productive meeting this morning with community leaders and a group of very motivated young men. They have been inspired by visiting gardens in various other communities and are determined to bring these skills back to benefit and create opportunities in Malungeni. As AIAIA Works on its horizon map for the future, the possibility of greater self-sufficiency brings both excitement and hope.
Our afternoon led us along the main dirt road and down the surrounding paths of Malungeni. We were accompanied by Olga, one of our local board members, other community residents and visitors, along with a group of energetic children who love to engage and play with us as we walk along. We had a lovely visit with Matuwa, a 98-year-old friend of Jim’s, who graciously welcomed us into her home.
We look forward to one more full day in Malungeni, engaging with the community and hosting our annual spa day. We thank you again for being a part of this journey, for your ongoing thoughts, prayers, and love that you’ve sent our way.