Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well.

My name is Pauline Scott. I am a seventy-year-old retired nurse who has been travelling to the Kingdom of Eswatini for the past twenty years. During this time, I have tried in small ways to support vulnerable families and individuals through volunteering and community outreach. Helping those who are struggling has become a very important part of my life.

I now live here 10 months of the year

Recently, through the Ministry of Health, I was introduced to a young mother living in extremely difficult conditions with her three children, including an eight-month-old baby who is currently suffering from severe malnutrition. The family live in a fragile wooden structure that offers very little protection from the weather, and their living conditions are more than extremely basic.

I have been in contact with the National Disaster Task Force in Eswatini to see if they could assist this family. Unfortunately, I was informed that because the family technically has a roof over their heads, they do not qualify for assistance through their programme.

The baby is receiving medical attention, but it is clear that the family’s circumstances are contributing greatly to their hardship. The parents are doing their best despite them all being malnourished . The father is willing to work and does take on occasional small jobs, locally known as “piece jobs,” whenever they are available. Unfortunately, this work is irregular and does not provide enough income to properly support the family.

After seeing the situation firsthand, I felt deeply moved to try to help them in a practical way. My hope is to raise enough money to build a small, simple brick dwelling that would provide safe shelter and dignity for this mother and her children.

The funds raised would be used to purchase essential building materials such as bricks, cement, windows, doors, and roofing. If there are any funds remaining after the construction, they will be used to buy much-needed beds for the three children.

I am reaching out to ask whether you might consider contributing, in whatever way you feel able, toward this small project. Any amount would be truly appreciated and will be put to good use. Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring us closer to giving this family a safe place to live and a healthier start for their children.

I will gladly provide photographs of the project as it progresses, along with receipts for all materials purchased, so that everyone who contributes can see exactly how their support is helping this family.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message and for considering helping this vulnerable family.

With gratitude and warm regards

Pauline Scott