Haven of Hope

In Eswatini, the issue of gender-based violence used to be avoided and ignored by the general public. In the last few years, the work of the Eswatini Partnership and the Eswatini Nazarene Church has brought about a change, and have recognized the need for women and girls to have a safe place to escape these vulnerable situations. Thus, the idea of Haven of Hope was born. Doug and Margaret Eaton, our Partnership Coordinators, have created the Eswatini 5k committee that produces an annual race to help fund the work of Haven of Hope and raise awareness about the issue of human and abuse. 

In 2019, a site for Haven of Hope was found--an old squash court on the Nazarene Mission Station in Manzini, Eswatini. The old structure provided the footprint and foundation to allow building a rescue center. The construction took 16 months. The walled campus is now a safe place for up to 24 women and children who will call Haven of Hope their home while they are healing and preparing for their next steps. 

The administration of Haven of Hope is now under the authority of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries of Eswatini. Their work in the area of GBV (gender based violence) with the Deputy Prime Minister’s office makes this Nazarene institution the natural role of leadership for HOH. 

HOH now is fully functioning. Our ministry director, Bongiwe Mdluli has assembled a staff of qualified individuals under the direction of NCME director Sibongile Sigundla. The staff is mandated by the Deputy Prime Ministers office and includes 2 supervisors called matrons who serve for 24 hour shifts, cleaning staff, security and groundskeepers. A fulltime social worker is also on staff for the many adjustments with which these girls are dealing with.

The rescued residents have regular duties in cleaning, cooking and gardening. They participate in craftwork, singing, dancing, sewing and business training. They go to school in the area.

The ongoing challenges of operating a valuable care and rehab home are very real. Haven of Hope is funded by prayer! The monthly expenses of feeding, schooling, staffing of this redeeming place is now the work of NCME, but the resources must continue to flow from the Partnership for HOH to continue its valuable work.