mbulelo smpofu
Blessed Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
MORE than 200 underprivileged children in Umguza District breathed a sigh of relief after SOS Children’s Village stepped in to foot the bill for their school fees, uniforms, food and other essential educational utilities through a chicken poultry project.
This timely intervention has brought joy and relief to the young learners and their families, who were previously struggling to make ends meet.
The learners can now focus on their academic pursuits without the burden of financial constraints.
This welcome reprieve is courtesy of a fruitful partnership between SOS Children’s Village and Hamara Group, which has successfully generated vital funds to support the ongoing initiative.
In an interview with Sunday News, the councillor for Umguza Ward 13, Mr Joseph Nkomo, said SOS Children’s Village donated funds in partnership with Hamara Group to benefit the poor in Umguza District.
“This innovative project involves starting a chicken-rearing venture, managed by underprivileged families with the ultimate goal of generating funds to support their children’s education,” he said.
The councillor said the underprivileged families will rear chickens and once they’re fully grown, Hamara Group will purchase them, providing the families with a steady income.
“This income will be specifically allocated to cover the school fees, uniforms and food for the underprivileged children, empowering them to pursue their educational aspirations without financial hurdles,” he said.
By providing a sustainable source of income, this project is poised to transform the lives of Umguza’s most vulnerable residents, fostering a brighter future for the children.
Clr Nkomo said the beneficiaries have built a poultry co-op that houses more than a 1000 chickens.
“Village 1 Maboneng and Village 4 Accuting Cruise have so far received 1300 chickens and their feed medicine,” said Clr Nkomo.
He said the selection process for beneficiaries was carefully overseen by community leaders, who painstakingly identified the most vulnerable families in the area.
“The leaders chose children from families that were struggling the most, ensuring that the project’s benefits reach those who need it most,” he said.
By empowering these young learners and their families, this innovative initiative is set to bring lasting change to the community.
Clr Nkomo noted that the first batch was harvested in November last year and the registered children were given Christmas hampers.
“More than 200 children have had their school fees, uniforms and other educational utilities taken care of in this first term of the 2025 educational calendar,” he said.
He added that the parents of the beneficiary children are actively involved in the daily operations of the chicken poultry project, further explaining that the joint partnership between SOS and Hamara was established to create a sustainable project, thereby avoiding situations where beneficiaries would struggle to find buyers for their chickens.
“This innovative approach ensures a stable market for the chickens, providing a steady income for the families involved and providing relief to the villagers,” he said.
Online Reporter
