How One Chicken Gift Transformed Minenhle’s Life

In 2021, World Vision's Sponsorship Programme gifted five-year-old Minenhle an indigenous chicken. It seemed like a simple gesture, but it marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation for Minenhle and her family. Now, aged nine, Minenhle's story is proof to the power of sustainable community support.

Minenhle, a registered child under the Sponsorship Programme, lives with her grandparents, who have been her primary caregivers since she was just two months old. Her mother resides in South Africa working in small piece jobs from time to time, while her father abandoned her. Life was a constant struggle, with limited resources and opportunities, especially because her grandparents had no stable income, just surviving each day as it comes, depending on the generosity of neighbours. However, the gift of that single chicken brought hope and change to their doorstep.

Over the years, the chicken produced chicks that grew to more chickens. By early 2024, Minenhle, who resides under the Ngwavuma constituency, proudly owned 43 chickens. Over the years, the growing flock became a source of financial stability and nourishment for the family. Her grandmother sold 15 chickens and used the proceeds to buy Minenhle a goat. The goat, in turn, gave birth to a kid, further increasing their assets and security.

“Some time ago, I sold seven chickens to purchase a warm sports tracksuit for Minenhle during the cold winter season and the money from selling some of the chickens now and then has also helped cover Minenhle's school bus fees,” elaborates Minenhle’s grandmother S’phiwe (60).

This, she says, has ensured that the child continues her education without interruption.

With 18 chickens currently under her care and new chicks being produced on a continuous basis, Minenhle's family of eight enjoys regular meals and a sense of financial stability they once only dreamed of. The story of Minenhle and her chickens highlights  how a small, sustainable gift can make a profound impact on a family's life.In this case, it ensured that the family has ENOUGH food and other needs also taken care of.

“I want to multiply my chickens and goats and be a businesswoman in the future. My family will never go to bed hungry!”, Minenhle said, with a smile on her face.

The transformation doesn't end with the chickens. Minenhle's family also benefited from the Sigwe Water Project launched by World Vision Eswatini, through support from the Esicojeni Foundation, in 2019, implemented by the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) technical programme. This project brought clean, safe water closer to homesteads, including Minenhle's household, a game-changer for her grandmother.

With easier access to water, her grandmother started a backyard garden, something she couldn't do before due to the distance and effort required to fetch water. The garden not only provides fresh vegetables for the family's meals but also serves as an additional source of income. Selling surplus produce at the local market has enabled her grandmother to earn extra money, further improving their living conditions.

Minenhle's story is one of resilience and transformation. From one chicken, their journey has evolved into a flourishing cycle of growth and sustainability. The impact of World Vision's initiatives, both through the Sponsorship Programme and the Sigwe Water Project, has given this family more than just resources; it has given them hope, security, and a brighter future.