Permaculture: Creating a Sustainable Future at VMS

Permaculture (is) a system of perennial agriculture that works with and not against nature, emphasizing the use of renewable natural resources and the enrichment of local ecosystems.”
 
In June of 2016, HFL assisted VMS caregivers and gardeners.  Caregivers received training in learning to create and manage a permaculture garden. This successful program became a catalyst for teaching the importance of good nutrition for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Joyce and Evelyn have become permaculture experts and with the assistance of Caroline, they are able to grow and sell enough food at VMS to replenish necessary garden supplies, provide healthy vegetables for the daily meals at Vhutshilo Mountain School and food packages for many of the local vulnerable families.

Currently they produce 100% organic vegetables and have assisted 10 local families in using this method.  They continue to educate the community about permaculture and the health benefits it provides while preserving the environment.

Thanks to your generosity, one of HFL’s goals of encouraging self sustaining programs has been realized.

Evelyn and Joyce would now like to start an agricultural nursery, propagating and selling landscaping plants.  HFL will be encouraging them and with your help we will assist their efforts with funds for a lawn mower needed to generate mulch as well as materials for a retail kiosk among other necessities.

If you are interested in helping to establish this worthwhile cause, please consider making a donation.

Thank You for making a difference.

A Generous Act of Harmony

Cristina Kessler, notable children’s book author and longtime friend and supporter of Hope for Limpopo, is sharing the “gentle (typical) side of Islam” through her free give-away program of the book One Night…A Story From the Desert.

Cristina spent over 2 years in Niger where she met Muhamad, the young boy in the story and his family. Her award winning book, based on the life and simple desires of an innocent, coming of age boy illustrates the similarities shared by youngsters of different cultures.

The author explains the reason for her give-away program, “In these days of growing intolerance, it’s important to give kids a look at other cultures so they will know that different isn’t better or worse, good or bad—just different....”. Implicit in this message is that all children share many of the same feelings therefore they are not so different after all.

To date, Cristina has sent 53 free copies of One Night to schools and libraries throughout the United States, the Virgin Islands, England and Zambia.

Visit her website to view a brief video about the book and to learn more about this amazing author.

HFL Featured in a 'BE INSPIRED' Promo

Imagine our surprise when we heard from an HFL supporter who came across our NGO domain being advertised in a ‘BE INSPIRED new domain extensions in action’ promotion.

Thank you, enom for offering Hope for Limpopo as an example of “Inspiration.” 

Check it out!

A Long Road to Beautiful Beads

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Skills training, self sufficiency and self sustaining projects have always been among Hope for Limpopo’s primary goals for our friends living in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. 

In July of 2009, while visiting Leshiba Wilderness, we were offered an unused kiln and the services of a 16 year old South African boy who, with HFL support, was willing to teach women in the VMS Support Group how to make glass beads from recycled bottles. The task proved difficult to master with many of the women eventually dropping out of the project.

Mpho, a single mother and primary support for her child, her elderly parents and younger sister, persevered and mastered the art. With the creative assistance of Marcella and regular workshops offered at Madi A Thavha, Mpho is creating beautiful, quality jewelry. With the income from the sale of her jewelry, Mpho is able to supplement the meager pension and small disability grant the family receives. 

Madi A Thavha Provides Training

In our South Africa travels we visited Marcelle and Arthur, the owners of Madi A Thavha Mountain Lodge in the Soutpansburg Mountains in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo.

Marcelle is a well-respected and successful businesswoman who has taken a special interest in training many area women including young girls and women from the Peer and Adult HIV+ support groups run by VMS and supported by HFL.

Marcelle’s standards are high and the jewelry her artisans are making is in great demand. The well-trained seamstresses are now producing merchandise readily sold in the Lodge’s gift shop.

Beyond her invaluable support provided to the Venda women and her great respect for the area’s customs and heritage, Marcelle’s generous nature is evident in the tours to Vhutshilo Mountain School they offer to lodge guests. After seeing the impressive educational and personal support offered to the children at VMS, many of the guests become friends of and donors through Madi A Thavha and HFL.

Beads and Jewelry by Mpho of VMS

Please visit the Madi A Thavha website for an impressive look at this beautiful lodge and its magnificent surroundings.  Traveling to South Africa?  Add Madi A Thavha to your itinerary!

A message to VMS Sponsors

While visiting the Vhutshilo Mountain School, we picked up the pictures, reports, and sample school work of each child who is currently being supported by a generous sponsor.  Sponsors, your packets are in the mail!

We are always in need of individuals or groups who wish to support a vulnerable child so if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please send us an email.

Your assistance can provide security for a little girl or boy through nutritionally balanced meals, clothing, preliminary medical assistance and a stimulating educational experience.