Meet Our
Community
From farmers and teachers to caregivers and artisans, our community is made up of men and women from across Eswatini, working together to build a brighter, more sustainable future for their nation.
Why Eswatini
HIV/AIDS Rate
Unemployment Rate
Live below
the national poverty line
Of children are orphaned
or vulnerable
Community Initiatives
We Educate Adults
Providing vocational training and life skills classes for lasting change
Our community initiatives extend the mission of Project Canaan fighting hunger, creating jobs, and building brighter futures across Eswatini.
Meet our Community FAQs
What is life like in Eswatini and how does Project Canaan fit into the community?
Eswatini is a country with rich culture, strong faith, and resilient people. Many families live in rural areas, and there are significant challenges such as high unemployment and limited access to stable work. Project Canaan serves as a community hub — providing jobs, education, care for children, and sustainable food production — to help meet those challenges.
What is the unemployment rate in Eswatini and why does it matter?
The unemployment rate in Eswatini has been extremely high (around 34-35% of the labour force in recent years), meaning many people are out of work and struggle to support their families. High unemployment increases vulnerability and poverty, which makes employment and skills training at Project Canaan especially important.
How many people does Project Canaan employ, and what impact does that have beyond the campus?
Project Canaan employs over 400 local Swazi men and women across its children’s home, farm, artisan centres, mechanic shop, woodworking, chicken and dairy farming, and other areas. Because many of our staff support their households, each job often benefits several family members — meaning thousands of lives are positively impacted through income, stability, and opportunity.
What kinds of jobs and training are available in the community through Project Canaan?
We offer a variety of work and training opportunities: dairy, agriculture, chicken farming, greenhouses (including a vanilla growing project), artisan crafts, woodworking, mechanics. Many team members gain new skills, which help them support their families and contribute to the community’s wellbeing.
How does Project Canaan help address poverty and build dignity in the community?
Beyond providing jobs, we offer training, education, and stable work so families can provide for themselves. Having meaningful work gives people dignity, hope, and the ability to care for loved ones. This helps break cycles of poverty rather than simply providing one-time aid.
How many children live at Project Canaan and what is the commitment we make to them?
Project Canaan cares for hundreds of children who come to us at various times. We commit to caring for each child until they complete high school, ensuring their education, nutrition, safety, and future opportunities.
How often do new children arrive at Project Canaan?
On average, a new child comes to live with us every 9-12 days. That means we are always planning to provide for new needs in housing, staff, food, schooling, and care.
How many people are affected indirectly through Project Canaan’s work in the surrounding area?
Because many staff support multiple family members at home, employment at Project Canaan indirectly benefits many more in the community. For example, one employed person might provide for a household of 5-7, so our employment programmes reach far beyond just our immediate staff.
How does Project Canaan impact food security in the community?
Through our farms (dairy, crops, greenhouses, chicken), Project Canaan produces food that feeds the children’s home and often contributes to local food needs. Producing food locally helps reduce dependency on expensive imports and increases access to healthier, fresher options.
Why does supporting the Project Canaan workforce matter to donors?
Supporting Project Canaan’s workforce isn’t just about giving jobs — it’s about building long-term stability, restoring dignity, strengthening families, and creating ripple effects through the community. It means your support goes into systems that transform lives rather than just temporary assistance.