“What do you dream to see happen next at Ngungwane?”
“A playground for the kids.”
I sat with each go-go and the preschool teacher…Lindiliwe, Pumzile, Constance, Sindi and Constantine…and asked them that question…what do you dream for Ngungwane…what do you want to see happen next…and answer after answer was the same.
I love this. I love that out of everything they could dream of they desire something more for these amazing kiddos. They know the importance of this playground…the joy and fun. I know a playground might seem like a luxury over things like food and clean water, but this playground is not just a playground…it is so much more.
The people of Swaziland are incredible and kind and crazy joyous, but the reality is it also has the highest HIV rate in the world and the life expectancy is 47. There’s an epidemic and it has taken out an entire generation of moms and dads leaving ‘a nation of orphans’ and far too many child-headed households. Yes, this playground is so much more than just a playground.
Ngungwane represents comfort, courage and hope in this community. 140 kiddos walk to the carepoint every single day…to come together to eat, learn, play and love. When I think about my own children and imagine the life they might be faced with as a child in Swaziland this playground is a no brainer. A lot of these kids have adult responsibilities…the weight of the world which might sit on their small shoulders with in some of these children’s lives is unreal.
I love how Children’s HopeChest & AIM explain the reasoning behind putting a playground in at Ngungwane:
Playgrounds exist to provide children with a safe, fun, challenging environment in which they can play. A playground provides a non- prescriptive environment where children can play and develop skills at their own pace. Professionals recognize that the social skills that children develop on the playground often become lifelong skill sets that are carried forward into their adulthood. Independent research concludes that playgrounds are among the most important environments for children outside the home. Most forms of play are essential for healthy development, but free, spontaneous play—the kind that occurs on playgrounds may be the most beneficial type of play. Exciting, engaging and challenging playground equipment is important to keep children happy while still developing their learning abilities.
I tell my kids every single day “treat each other like you want to be treated” so what would I do for my own kids?!?! This playground will bring so much extra to their little lives so we’re going to go after it and hard. We’re going to pray and watch God do what only He can do.
Our project page is officially up and running where anyone can go and make a tax deductible donation towards Ngungwane’s Playground Fund. I would be incredibly grateful if you would pray with us and consider donating and joining in this dream which originated across oceans. You can CLICK HERE to donate. And feel free to share with friends and family.
And August’s Bible Journaling class fees will all be going to the playground fund. Class will be August 15th from 1-4 at our home near Nashville. I still have 11 spots available so message me HERE to grab a spot(s).
So it’s officially unanimous. We’re all in. Ngungwane playground here we come.
Happy Monday!
[…] They prayed…they prayed their hearts out. They love this community, they listened to the go-gos words, they heard the calling and said “Yes God. We are in.” I’m so humbled to know […]