Chicken Day!

Drum roll, please. The much anticipated ‘Chicken Day’ was a huge success! Thank you again to our families for sponsoring another project through the ‘Christmaskuh’ fund!

On Friday, January 29^th I visited a Neighborhood Care Point (NCP) with our fellow American neighbors, Karen and Randy. Karen and Randy have a nonprofit called, ‘Missions in Africa’ and their primary focus is on supporting orphaned and vulnerable children. Due to the impact of HIV/AIDS over the past 10-15 years in Swaziland, the generation of adults aged 25-40 has been devastated. As a result, countless children have been left orphaned. Across the country, UNICEF opened NCPs primarily to help to feed these children, although in Karen and Randy’s case, they are working under another non-profit called, Children’s Cup, which also ministers and operates preschools at their NCPs. The NCP that I visited was in the largest city in Swaziland – Manzini – population ~80,000. On average, the Care Point feeds 140-160 children a single meal a day and unfortunately/fortunately, there’s an NCP in nearly every neighborhood in Manzini. The meal typically consists of rice or ‘pap’ (pap is a traditional maize meal dish – kind of like mashed potatoes but its mashed cornmeal), but on Friday the 29^th, we added chicken! And potatoes, onions, carrots and cookies. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the kiddies and look forward to our next opportunity to sponsor such an event.

Right when we arrived, the children took me to see some of their homes. They live in a makeshift community of mud/stick houses, some tarp, and some cement homes.

When we returned from our walk, it was time for morning lessons for the preschoolers. The older children don't come to the Care Point until 2:00pm or later, after school has let out. The meal is typically served at 3:00/3:30pm.

The preschool children arriving

The preschool children 'assuming the position.' These are my legs (in jeans and black converse) and for the duration of the day, there was at least one child on each leg. As you can see, the one in the cream/blue/green jacket is pushing another child away and claiming his position. They were very territorial and defended their leg with gusto!

We got all of the children organized and played some games, read a couple of stories, and had a snack.

Classroom

Games

Their teacher telling a story

Some were eager to raise their hands to answer the teacher's questions and some were more interested in smiling for my photos...

Saying grace before snack.

Here's the supplemental items purchased to make the 'stew'

We purchased 28 live chickens. And, while I know that this image may be disturbing for some (who are currently putting together that these chickens are THE chickens) it is important to remember that not a single part of the chicken was wasted and that 156 children ate much needed protein as a result.

The kitchen

Once the children were finished with lessons and were playing outside, Karen and I settled in to assist the Makes (siSwati for 'Moms') with the cooking. We pealed pounds and pounds of carrots!

Once the kids discovered us, though, the number of little bodies duplicated quickly. They were especially interested in my hair and you'll notice that there were many tiny fingers pet, pet, petting away.

Then it was just a bunch of preparing and cooking.

Starting the fire

Putting the rice on to boil.

Removing the feathers

Dunking the chicken for a final rinse in boiling water

Butchering the chickens

Time to cook. Remember when I said NO part was wasted? Yup, those are head, feet, intestines and all. Let's just say that I let the kids enjoy the chicken stew and steered clear of trying some, myself.

She used an oar to stir the pot! Kind of reminded me of a witches cauldron...

The children were very eager to pose for pictures and then to see themselves on the digital camera!

The kids were also very inventive in their play and found simple ways to have fun schoolyard style.

FINALLY! The meal was ready! Which as you can see, the children were beginning to hover in anticipation...

Lined up and ready to eat

I served the rice

Settled and chowing down

When children are hungry and there is food to be had, EVERYONE eats. At first I was terrified that this 10 month old had his own chicken leg. But, life is different over here and the children adapt accordingly. I watched him for a little while to ensure that he wasn't going to choke on a chicken bone, but as you can see by his clean bone, he knew exactly what he was doing.

If you've been inspired by this blog entry and would like to make a contribution, please feel free to make a tax deductible donation directly to Karen and Randy's non-profit. They manage this NCP and one other, but you can specify that you'd like your donation to go to this Manzini NCP and they will take care of the rest. Every little bit helps to cover the costs of providing these orphaned children with food, classroom materials, clothes, school fees, school uniforms, transportation to school, etc.

Missions in Africa, Inc.

Randy & Karen Brennan

P.O. Box 264

Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Cell: 011-268-647-9967

Email: randy@missionsinafrica.com