The Community Care Center at Amandawe has been set up by the UVHAA.
Much of the funds and continued support at this time has come from Basingstoke Rotary Clubs, and the local Scottburgh Rotary Club.
One of the challenges facing UVHAA in the work being done has been the need for a central community area. The vision around this is to create a venue where support can be created within the community, and to provide a venue for creative and community projects where people can gather together to learn, share skills, and simply spend time with a community focus. In addition to this, to provide a consultation room and a base for home carers within the community.
During 2008 / 2009, this vision came into reality and began taking physical shape.
These
pictures show the areas at Amandawe which hosts the Community
Care Centre. And the work which has already been carried out on the
site.
Formerly an unused piece of land within the Amandawe area, this area was used for grazing local cattle, various community events ranging from church gatherings to parties, and an unofficial area where many of the local youths would gather simply to "hang out". It consisted of two semi-ruined buildings, and some dry arid earth on top of a hill. Before anything began, permission had to be given from various local commitees and elders of the community. Once this was given, and a lease agreement signed, the project got underway...
The land had to be cleared of assorted rubbish, buildings had to be cleared of old bottles, and a marquee on
the site had to be taken down. A fence was erected, a garage built for extra storage purposes, toilets installed...
Before work was started in the garden - we had to wait for the cattle to be moved off the site, then back on - and off again... In Africa, there is no rush. And - when the land was first being cleared - the fact that there were no hand tools, and no refuse collection, was simply a factor that needed creative solutions. Plans were made, and the project continued to move ahead...
There
is already a sewing group at Amandawe which has been set up to
provide skills, income and self-esteem to local women. In the early stages, this has been hosted at one of the members homes - as time passes and the rooms are created, this project will move into the Community Center - where, it is hoped, there will be continued growth. For further details on this, please see the Amandawe Needlework page. Amadawe Needlework
Amandawe Community Center - growing towards the Permaculture Garden