Farm Updates Archives - SOHO

A hub of growth

SOHO — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:55:26 +0000

Nestled in the picturesque landscape at coordinates 26°58’28”S, 31°14’53”E, Lentsaba Farm has been a beehive of activity and development. Spanning an impressive 431 hectares (1,065 acres), the farm has made notable progress in agriculture, infrastructure and community welfare.

Lentsaba’s orchard now features 2,000 macadamia trees. Each tree is nurtured with mini sprinkler irrigation, ensuring optimal growth conditions. With the orchard’s expansion, plans are already in motion for the next wave of planting.

Among recent infrastructure developments:

The first two homes for children are being constructed, along with a multipurpose building.
A house now stands in the orchard, serving as a residence for the macadamia supervisor and night watchman and housing is being built for the farm superviser.
A new well was drilled, accompanied by the installation of a 72,000-liter water tank for the Children’s Village. The integration of a solar pump and pipes is on the horizon.
A guest rondavel has been built near the farmhouse, with another one in the pipeline. These structures are not just buildings; they are a warm welcome to visitors and volunteer groups, offering them a home during their stay.
Recognizing the importance of reliable transportation, the farm has invested in a Toyota Landcruiser pickup truck.
The construction of a new entry road improves accessibility and visitor entry.

Lentsaba Farm is not just about agriculture and infrastructure; it’s a celebration of nature’s marvels. The farm’s terrain is a spectacle of natural beauty, with an elevation ranging from 864 meters (2,244 feet) at the lowest point to 1,094 meters (3,590 feet) at the highest, resulting in a breathtaking elevation change of 410 meters (1,345 feet). This diverse topography is encapsulated within 9 kilometers (5.63 miles) of perimeter fencing, securing the farm’s boundaries.

Lentsaba Children’s Village & Farm is more than a piece of land; it’s a dynamic ecosystem where agriculture, community welfare, and natural beauty coexist and flourish. With each tree planted and each building constructed, Lentsaba is an unfolding story of hope, hard work, and harmony, setting a precedent for sustainable development and community care.

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Empowering artisans and entrepreneurs

SOHO — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:01:00 +0000

In a world where passion, skill, and resilience know no boundaries, the Virtual Artisan Market (VAM) emerges as a symbol of hope. The face of VAM is Lentsaba Village, a digital platform that is not merely an online marketplace. Rather, it provides a platform for small entrepreneurs, women empowerment projects, refugees and talented artisans to showcase their creations to a global audience.

VAM originates from the endeavors of Saving Orphans Through Healthcare and Outreach (SOHO), a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis that serves orphans and vulnerable children in Eswatini. This vision was embraced by the INFS 318 Business Systems Analysis and Design class of 2021. Each student diligently worked towards finding solutions that could transform this distant dream into a tangible reality. Their encounter with resilient women and girls who had survived abuse and human trafficking yet produced remarkable artwork became the driving force behind the inception of the VAM.

Subsequent classes continued the project, developing protocols, and crafting a compelling narrative.The INFS 436 Web-Based Systems played a pivotal role in constructing an online platform integrated with Etsy, launching what is now known as Lentsaba Village. With support from the Andrews University School of Business Administration, students collaborated with SOHO to explore and develop avenues for vulnerable women and young adults who were transitioning from orphanages to gain sustainable employment and stay off the streets.

Today VAM connects women empowerment projects in Eswatini, skilled bronze artisans from Ouagadougou and Burkina Faso, Burmese communities and a resilient women’s battalion from Harare, Zimbabwe. A bakery initiative in Eswatini reflects VAM’s commitment to providing vocational skills, enabling survivors of abuse to seamlessly transition into the workforce.

Yet VAM, like any entrepreneurial endeavor, is marked by challenges. Issues related to finance, inventory management, quality control, marketing, and logistics often appear insurmountable. Nevertheless, each challenge is seen not as a setback but as an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and evolve.

VAM is more than just an online marketplace; it is a global chorus of voices, a testament to human resilience. Every piece of artwork is not merely a product; it is a story, a journey of indomitable spirits that rise from the ashes, transforming each challenge into an epic narrative of triumph.

In Octover 2023 at the 4th annual Celebration of Community Engagement, the VAM project won the “Most Innovative Project” award. In addition, Takudzwa Mugwisi, who served as the student general project manager for VAM and the Lentsaba Village store, received a scholarship in recognition of her outstanding contributions.

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Andrews University’s bakery project in Eswatini

SOHO — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:05:00 +0000

In June 2023, Dr. Williams Peprah, associate professor of finance at Andrews University, set out to Eswatini on a project in partnership with Oakwood College. His objective was to assess the feasibility of a small bakery that would not only generate additional revenue for Lentsaba Children’s Village & Farm but also offer baking training to young women who benefitted from Lentsaba’s programs.This initiative is focused on creating sustainable opportunities and empowering orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) through comprehensive, Christ-centered programs.

Motivated by their deep commitment to creating transformative opportunities, the faculty and students of Andrew’s School of Business Administration (SBA) have come together to contribute their expertise in process development, web development, marketing, business development and financial accountability. Through these joint efforts, they strive to offer the necessary support to Lentsaba and facilitate the execution of life-altering programs in Eswatini.

At the heart of this project is the empowerment of young women who have endured abuse. The small bakery provides them with valuable skills and fosters their self-esteem and independence. The aim is to equip these women with the tools they need to lead successful lives and positively impact their communities. Rural Tech Hive, a partner in the venture, will assist in managing and implementing the point-of-sale system, ensuring financial transparency and inventory management.:

Andrew’s SBA understands the value of involving students in this project. As it progresses, smaller components will be introduced to student associations and clubs to encourage their active participation. Various classes within the SBA will have the chance to contribute their expertise, enhancing process development, web development, marketing strategies, business growth and financial accountability. By involving students in real-world projects, the SBA aims to ignite a sense of purpose and a passion for making a meaningful difference.

Through the cooperative efforts of Andrews University, Lentsaba, and Rural Tech Hive, a pathway is being carved towards sustainable change and empowerment. By enabling young women and generating additional revenue, the project supports Lentsaba’s programs for orphans and vulnerable children in Eswatini. Together, they are planting seeds of hope and cultivating a brighter future for those in greatest need.

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A sanctuary of hope for OVCs

SOHO — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:18:00 +0000

The initial dream for Lentsaba was a to locate an idyllic setting where orphaned children, especially those facing the direst risks, could find a nurturing home. These children, susceptible to the harsh realities of abuse and human trafficking, needed a safe space to grow, learn, and eventually evolve into empowered, productive citizens. Lentsaba Farm, almost as if by a stroke of serendipity or divine design, emerged as the miraculous solution to this earnest prayer.

As the project unfolded, each step seemed to be guided by a providential hand, ensuring that the dream didn’t stray from its destined path. A remarkable synergy was ignited when a team of innovative architecture students from Andrews University stepped in. With a blend of creativity and compassion, they developed a comprehensive master plan, laying the groundwork for a community that would offer much more than shelter—it would provide hope, care, and a future.

Building on this solid foundation, a second group of dedicated individuals brought their expertise to the forefront, finalizing the architectural designs for the inaugural homes. These homes are not just structures; they are designed with love and foresight. Each residence features two bedrooms, thoughtfully arranged to comfortably accommodate four children in bunk beds. Additionally, each home includes quarters meticulously designed for a Caregiver or House Aunty, ensuring that the children receive constant support, guidance, and the warmth of a familial bond.

For the children destined to live in Lentsaba Children’s Village, many of whom have been deprived of even the most basic comforts of a safe and sanitary living environment, this initiative promises to offer a transformative experience. Lentsaba is set to become more than just a residence; it’s envisioned as a ‘home sweet home’—a sanctuary where laughter replaces tears, where safety supersedes fear, and where every child is given the wings to soar into a brighter future.

This noble vision is rapidly approaching its realization, accelerated by the generous hearts at the Greater Works Church in Indianapolis. Their substantial donation has been pivotal, ensuring that the construction of these first homes progresses swiftly. As the walls rise and the roofs take shape, Lentsaba Farm stands as a testament to what unity, compassion, and unwavering faith in a shared dream can achieve—a safe haven where every child is cherished and the seeds of a hopeful future are sown with tender care..

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