History
In 1999 SWAGAA drew the Sisters’ attention to the urgent need to provide a safe house for girls who had been abused or who were at risk. Jacaranda was founded in answer to this need.
Initially, the project was based in a former boys’ orphanage in Ngwane Park, Manzini made available by the Salesian Society/Manzini Youth Care. The first 6 girls joined in December 1999 and the family grew steadily over the next few months. The girls were cared for by a resident Swazi housemother. Sister Carole visited the home regularly and was responsible for all the needs of the girls and the house.
In September 2000 the house opposite the Sisters’ house in Mendip Road, Fairview, Manzini was bought for the project. Renovation was completed in July 2001 when 8 of the younger girls and a new housemother moved in. The house in Ngwane Park continued to accommodate the more senior girls.
Two years later a property next door but one to the Sisters’ house came on the market. The senior girls were moved from the Ngwane Park house, which was returned to the Salesian Society. The centralisation of the Jacaranda houses proved beneficial to all.
In January 2006 the project relocated to Bulembu. Here it is safer for the girls as the crime rate is very low and there are more opportunities eg sports, as well as a Christian community whose members are willing to spend time with young people and share skills. The girls live in 3 houses located next to the Sisters’ house.
Most of the girls attend Bulembu Christian Academy. Caroline is continuing her studies at home with a distance learning programme while Busi is looking forward to training as a pre-school assistant.
Sister Carole and her deputy, Sister Karan, are responsible for the funding and running of the project, helped by 3 resident housemothers. At present there are 30 children in the Jacaranda family.