Hawane Farm was opened in 2004 by Chief Sipho Shongwe. Our patron, Inkhosikhati La Mbikiza was represented. The land was purchased by Teen Challenge U.K. for the purpose of hosting interim foster homes for children referred to us the Ministry of Health, Social welfare.

The farm now hosts at least 10 homes, capable of hosting 8 children each, a medical centre, church, a pre-school, a crafts shop, a canteen, a small farm, a catfish and rabbit project, and a cultural village.

Every Wednesday evening, the patriarchal leaders on site, sit with the children in the lusango (The lusango is our traditional  mentoring circle). A fire is lit and the children listen to the tales and teachings of their culture.

The Hawane farm is a gift from God. It is a relatively flat piece of land, easy to build on, with a very reliable water source (the Mbuluzi River) in a rural setting. It is close enough to the capital for easy access to emergency facilities.

The farm provides an opportunity to train the children in basic farming skills. Every child has five vegetable patches, which he/she must care for daily. They also have duties looking after the rabbits and catfish. Occasionally, they take turns catching the fish, preparing them to eat and then cooking the fish. Every child in every home has a weekly responsibility in preparing the meals alongside their mother, including cooking and serving the food. Everyone has to take turns washing up and cleaning the house, too.

The children walk to their schools. This is our weakest point. When the children become too sick, from HIV and AIDS, to walk to school, they have to be pulled out of the school for health reasons. The message this sends to them is that we do not have hope in their future. Being pulled out of school signifies our recognition of their poor health and possible death. We have now had to open a home school for those that cannot walk to school.