Harvest Support 2024

Over the last several months a serious drought has hit Africa - in particular Mozambique, Zimbabwe and areas of Zambia.  In the majority of the most vulnerable communities, subsistance farming is the primary way that people survive.  Maize and other vegetables are grown and then harvested, after which they are either sold for profit or used to feed families.  With little rain, the crops are unable to grow properly, forcing families into a state of uncertainty as they are unsure what will happen between now and the next harvest.  This means that as of now, families are facing an extended hunger season, which for the most vulnerable families requires urgent intervention.  

There are 6 Hands Australia supported communities who are affected by the drought.  Hands will provide food support over the coming months to the most vulnerable Primary Care Givers of the children at the Carepoint.  Hands at Work will also provide seed and fertiliser for the next planting season. 

Hands at Work are always considering the best way to respond to crisis situations, to equip and empower families and communities with longer term solutions, but also recognising in this instance that some families require more urgent food support in the coming months.

The estimated total funds required to provide the necessary interventions in all of the Hands at Work communities affected across Africa is $70,000.

We thankyou for standing with us in Prayer and in Giving to support these families in this very vulnerable season.

BE A PART OF HELPING US BRING RELIEF TO THE MOST VULNERABLE!

Hunger Season - Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of Congo

November 2023

Hunger season by definition is the period of time from when last years' harvest runs out, through to the next annual harvest being ready.  It is the most challenging time of the year for families in many of the communities we support who rely primarily on subsistence farming to be able to provide food for their families.  The climate crisis has been a major contributing factor to this, as drought and other extreme weather patterns have contributed to poorer harvests in many communities.  Other contributing factors include challenges in accessing fertilisers and seeds that would promote better harvests.  The impact has been felt this year especially in Zambia, Malawi and Democratic Republic of Congo, and to a more limited extent also in Zimbabwe and Hands at Work have assessed families in the communites where we serve and have identified those who are in crisis and in need of food support during this Hunger Season.   

The Hands response varies by country and community and is tailored to meet the needs of that particular area and the specific needs of the families with some families being temporarily added to the carepoint so that they receive food or are provided with seeds and/or fertiliser.  Hands is always considering the best way to respond to crisis situations such as this to equip and empower families with longer term solutions.

Please can you join us in praying for those families who are struggling in this season and please consider contributing financially to help enable Hands at Work to respond to this great need for many of the most vulnerable familes during Hunger Season.

Democratic Republic of Congo

14th February 2023

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been plagued with decades of war.  Hands at Work has been serving in DRC communities devastated by this unrest since 2006.  The northeastern province around the city of Goma has continued to experience the constant threat of rebel attacks and war.  The level of violence has increased over the recent months affecting communities where Hands at Work serves, resulting in the children and families in the community of Luhonga, handsatwork.org/drc/luhonga, having to flee their village recently.  The vulnerablility of those living in the region has significantly increased.  

Would you partner with Hands at Work to bring stability to hte communities affected by crises like this?  The reality is that what is currently happening in Luhonga and around Goma is a glimpse at the widespread vulnerability and instability of this war-torn country.

BE A PART OF HELPING US BRING RELIEF TO THE MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY CRISIS LIKE THIS.

Zambia Heavy Rainfall and High Winds 

4th February 2022

Many areas in southern Africa have experienced high winds and heavy rainfall.  In Zambia, the Kabwe and Chisamba regions have been hit very hard.  There has been significant damage caused to a number of homes within the communities we serve. In some cases, homes collapsed in the night, leaving families with nowhere to go.  Please join us in praying for the situation and consider giving to bring relief to those affected.

BE A PART OF HELPING US TO BRING RELIEF TO THE MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES.

Providiing Essential Services in this Time of Crisis - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In this ever changing season, Hands at Work remains committed to providing for the most vulnerable within the communities that we are serving across Africa.  Though there are many government restrictions which we are adhering to, our care for the most vulnerable will not stop.  This is especially important in a season where our children face increased levels of vulnerability. 

Currently the world is striving to fight the spread of Coronavirus.  Governments have put their countries on lockdown and enforce restrictions and rules on the movement and activities of everyday life.  At present, many governments have stated that 'Essential Services' must continue to provide for and protect the most vulnerable in society.

From the beginning of Hands at Work, our call was clear, to reach the most vulnerable children, in the most impoverished places in Africa.  In over 60 communities spread thtroughout 8 countries across Africa, we've identified the most vulnerable children who, without support, would simply not survive, and we've done this by mobilising the church around the world to care.  We are together, caring for the most vulnerable.

Hands at Work as an Essential Service Provider

Through our ministry of home-based care and providing central places for children to gather daily to access essential services - known as 'Care Points' - Hands at Work continues to reach out, through this time when many people are distancing.  Of course the way we do this needs to honour the restrictions in place.

In many countries, this means that we limit the number of children that are at the Care Points at any one time, and the amount of time they spend there.  We are also taking great care in increasing the standards of hygiene, in line with global health advice.

In other countries, like South Africa, where governments have issued nationwide lockdown restrictions, Hands at Work and local volunteer Care Workers continue to have a daily presence in our communities.  This ensures that children will still have access  to food, health care support and, most importantly, contact with caring adults.