About one quarter of the population of eSwatini is orphans and vulnerable children. Two thirds of the population is living in rural poverty. Over one quarter of Swazis are infected with HIV. In an absolute monarchy where kings, traditional healers, and polygamous culture have ruled for over four hundred years, God is inviting us to move mountains.
In September 2019, fourteen Master of Architecture students and one Master of Public Health student travelled to eSwatini to help conceive a home for children who have no home. The local project driver is SOHO - an independent Seventh-day Adventist non-profit organization which focuses on “Saving Orphans through Healthcare and Outreach”. The site is over one thousand acres of pristine mountain farm overlooking the Grand Valley near Hlatikulu.
The SOHO Children’s village will be a home for children and a place for local community impact. Social enterprise facilities, a school, a church, a clinic, and a farm are projected to make local systemic impacts. A luxury game lodge and conferencing center will cater to visitors seeking nature and wellness and will help to provide financial sustainability.
The project report is available for download .
A summary of visit to eSwatini (Swaziland) as part of a planning effort for SOHO Children's Village. A collaboration between the 老司机传媒 School of Architecture & Interior Design (Urban Design Studio) and the School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness. Video by Andrew von Maur and Troy Homenchuk. Music by Simunye Male Chorus.
For more information please contact avonmaur@andrews.edu.