By Sizwe Dlamini
Food Quest Eswatini is expressing gratitude for recent donations that bolster its mission to support vulnerable children in rural areas.
Conco Limited has provided significant support, recently donating solar energy-powered backpacks worth E200 000 while Premier Bakeries has donated 300 loaves of bread to assist those in need.
Founded by Celani Matsenjwa, Food Quest Eswatini is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and delivering surplus food to disadvantaged communities.
Matsenjwa emphasized that the organization’s efforts go beyond addressing food insecurity, highlighting the underlying challenges faced by many primary school children.
“We have realized that apart from the food problem, there are significant issues affecting children in rural areas,” Matsenjwa said. “Most of these children do not have school bags and often carry their textbooks in plastic bags or under their arms. They travel long distances to school, which can take the whole day, and arrive home late, often having to do homework by candlelight. This situation can be very discouraging for their education.“
To tackle these challenges, Food Quest Eswatini has launched an initiative to provide solar-powered school bags to children in need.
“The idea behind solar-powered school bags is to provide light for those who lack a reliable source of illumination at home,” Matsenjwa explained. “This will help restore their confidence and foster a genuine desire to learn.”
In addition to addressing educational challenges, the initiative also contributes to climate change mitigation. A national report indicates that 15% of carbon emissions come from households, and global temperatures are projected to rise significantly by 2057. Matsenjwa noted that the use of solar-powered bags can reduce household emissions, supporting Eswatini’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).
Currently, three rural schools—Mphundle Primary School, Ndlalane Primary School, and Dvumane Primary School—benefit from this initiative. Matsenjwa is hopeful that with continued support from local companies, Food Quest Eswatini can expand its reach and impact even more children.
“We are requesting more companies to assist us so that we can double the number of beneficiaries,” he urged. “Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these children and contribute to a more sustainable future for our country.”