BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – A group of passionate students who are in internship in collaboration with Echo PR & Events Agency have brought smiles and hope to Hermann Gmeiner SOS Children’s Village in Mbabane, proving that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.
The initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable children, the students teamed up with Echo PR & Events Agency under Fundzama Multi-Services to donate essential items and plant vegetables in the village’s garden.
The items included sanitary pads, stationery, and vegetable seeds all purchased through personal contributions of E100 per student.
“We were inspired to partner with Echo PR & Events Agency because we wanted to give back to our community, especially to support the children at Hermann Gmeiner SOS Children’s Village,” one of the student representatives shared. “We believe in social responsibility and saw this as an opportunity to make a difference.”
Ahead of the event, the students organized themselves, pooled funds, and coordinated with SOS staff to ensure the donations met the community’s most immediate needs.
The hands-on activity also included gardening, where the team planted lettuce, spinach, onions, and beetroot all aimed at boosting food security and encouraging sustainable living practices within the village.
Although they didn’t get to interact with the children directly, the students were warmly received by the SOS staff. “The staff were very appreciative and welcoming. They guided us during the gardening process and supported us every step of the way,” a student said.
The project, while modest in scale, was rich in meaning. “We hope our contribution will positively impact the lives of the children. Even though we couldn’t meet them, we believe the sanitary products, stationery, and vegetables will be useful in their day-to-day lives,” the students reflected.
Beyond the day’s activities, the experience served as a powerful lesson in empathy, collaboration, and leadership. “We learned that teamwork and compassion can truly change lives. It inspired us to continue doing more for our communities,” the group noted.
Looking ahead, the students expressed hope that with the right support and sponsorship, they can expand their efforts to reach not only children but also the elderly in Mbabane and across Eswatini. “This is just the beginning. With backing from sponsors who believe in community development, we can do much more.”
As the sun set on a fulfilling day, the students left SOS Children’s Village not only with dirt on their hands but with full hearts and a renewed commitment to being agents of change in Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pics)
