BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA– Cheshire Homes Eswatini has received a significant boost after Taiwan’s Hope Eswatini volunteer medical delegation donated US$700 (approximately E12 800) and essential supplies to support rehabilitation services for people living with disabilities, reaffirming the enduring friendship and humanitarian partnership between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The donation was officially handed over on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, during a ceremony held at Cheshire Homes Eswatini in Matsapha, where Her Royal Highness Princess Phumelele represented Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaNtenteza, Patron of Cheshire Homes Eswatini. The delegation presented 200 kilograms of rice, a wheelchair, feminine underwear and US$700 (approximately E12 800) to help strengthen the institution’s rehabilitation programmes and improve the welfare of its beneficiaries.
Delivering HRH Inkhosikati LaNtenteza’s message, HRH Princess Phumelele warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the generous donation, describing it as a powerful reflection of the longstanding friendship between Eswatini and Taiwan.
She said Cheshire Homes continues to play a vital national role by providing professional rehabilitation and therapy services to people recovering from road traffic accidents, strokes, developmental delays and other conditions requiring specialised care. She noted that the institution has become a beacon of hope for many families by restoring mobility, dignity and independence to people living with disabilities.
The Inkhosikati also acknowledged His Majesty’s Government for its continued financial support to the institution, while noting that increasing demand for rehabilitation services and declining donor funding continue to place pressure on the home’s operations. She added that many of the institution’s clients are unable to afford treatment, making partnerships such as the one with Hope Eswatini invaluable.
“We appeal to every Liswati to practise the slogan of being a brother’s keeper, meaning that we have a big task of reaching and supporting people who need help, particularly people with disabilities who are usually left behind in the mainstream of development,” the Inkhosikati said.
Looking ahead, she shared Cheshire Homes’ vision of becoming a centre of excellence in rehabilitation by constructing Eswatini’s first aqua therapy pool, a facility expected to introduce modern treatment for children and adults living with spastic disorders.
“Today’s donation will give our home a lifeline,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Taiwanese delegation, Marissa Li, representative of Hope Eswatini from Taichung, Taiwan, said the team was honoured to visit Eswatini and grateful for the warm hospitality they received despite travel delays caused by a recent typhoon and a dust storm that disrupted their journey.
Li said the delegation’s mission extends beyond providing medical services and youth education, focusing on building lasting friendships, sharing knowledge and strengthening cooperation between the people of Taiwan and Eswatini.
She said visiting Cheshire Homes had given the team an opportunity to learn from the institution’s dedicated rehabilitation professionals while gaining a deeper appreciation of inclusive care for people living with disabilities.
“We have come not only to serve, but also to foster meaningful friendships, learn from one another, and strengthen the bonds between our communities through mutual understanding and shared experiences,” said Li.
Following the handover ceremony, the delegation toured Cheshire Homes’ rehabilitation facilities, where they observed demonstrations of physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques used to help stroke survivors and other clients regain mobility and independence.
The visit marked another milestone in the growing humanitarian partnership between Eswatini and Taiwan, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to improving lives, advancing disability inclusion and strengthening international cooperation through compassion, service and friendship.
#HopeEswatini #Taiwan #CheshireHomesEswatini #DisabilityInclusion #Rehabilitation #Healthcare #HumanitarianSupport #Eswatini #TaiwanEswatiniRelations #CommunityCare #InternationalFriendship #PositiveNews
