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Raising of capital funds for the first Ludlati Capital Project got underway on Thursday, February 18th. We posted the need on a blog post, and sent an email to the members and fans. We started with $12,500 in prior commitments from those moved to give when it was time to gather capital funding. After we opened the fund drive to everyone, we received the remainder of the amount by Sunday afternoon, February 21st! I am happy to report, God has supplied the $15,000 needed for the first Ludlati Capital Project!!! Join us in giving God the glory for what He has done through the giving hearts whom gave. We are excited to watch these gifts produce hope, communicate love, provide security, meet needs, and expand God's Kingdom. If you feel lead to give please do so. More capital projects are coming in the near future, and the funds raised above the current need will be applied to the next project!

To give by mail or on-line, please click here to be taken to the instructions below.Ludlati Capital Project. I am happy to address questions about the current and future capital projects by email Don@knowntome.net

If you want your gift to remain anonymous, please send it to Children's HopeChest by mail or on-line payment, and they will let us know only the total funding amount later. We do appreciate the ability to track progress, so if you don't mind, please email the amount you plan to give to Don@knowntome.net Thanks!

Here are some FAQ's about the initial capital to build a fence and a kitchen:

Q: Why do we need a fence?

A:While in Africa I asked this question, and I was told, "You don't do anything without a fence in Africa." A fence helps prevent theft, provides security for building materials, equipment, supplies, food, and property. It is part of the culture as well. Everyone puts a fence around their property to show where the boundary lines exist, and provide an added level of security. It also becomes a comfort to the children who come to the carepoint. They will spend each day inside the carepoint fence. It provides a physical sign to our neighbor kids that we care about them, and it gives a message to others who look from the outside that we care about these children and want them to feel and be more secure.

Q: In a country with a poor economy like Swaziland, why is it not cheap to build the fence and kitchen?

A: When you look at the cost of living in Swaziland, it is comparable to the cost of living in the Midwest of America. This is not the case in China or other countries where the value of the American Dollar has an increased multiplier of buying power against the respective currency. Food is a little cheaper in Swaziland, but building materials are similar cost to a little more expensive than here. It is also necessary to hire a security guard to watch over materials while the work is being done to prevent theft. Otherwise the materials would disappear the first night. It may be difficult to relate to that in America where in some places you can still leave your porch furniture and grill outside, and not see them disappear the first night. There may also be some added cost to deliver materials as Ludlati is a more rural location with unpaved roads to get there.

Q: Could we save money by building the fence and kitchen ourselves?

A: We might be able to save some money by sending a team to do the work ourselves or along side Swaziland volunteers. Having work done by Swaziland people is actually critical to the support strategy Childrens HopeChest and in country workers have developed. It is better for the development of the children and people in the Ludlati region that the work be done by Swaziland businesses and workers. In fact, it is damaging to have Americans come and do things for the Swaziland people and children. It adds to an inferiority complex, and sets up a cycle of dependency. The capital funds provide jobs for workers in an economy with 60% unemployment. The children see native Swaziland adults doing the work which provides good role models. Workers are blessed to have work, and gain dignity from the chance to earn income. It also helps people take care of their own families.

Q: If we don't build buildings, what kinds of projects or things can we do at the Carepoint?

A: If we want to at some point, we can build a play ground at the carepoint as a hands on project. Perhaps in the future we can build other buildings together with Swaziland volunteers. But it is important to weigh what we want to do ourselves - our plans to give to the people and kids against what is perceived and received by our Swazi-neighbors. The people working on the ground for Childrens HopeChest know our culture and Swazi-culture. They understand how things work in Africa and Swaziland, where we still have a lot to learn. Initially, our role is to provide support, encouragement and love through our finances, letters and visits. Our role is minimized credit and work in nurturing, leadership and mentoring roles. Our finances support and promote native Swaziland nurturers, leaders and mentors by whom the kids are fed, taught, loved, encouraged and seen on a daily basis. This fosters an environment where the kids are inspired to become like their caretakers, leaders and mentors as they grow up. This is very important for long term development and sustainability. Things we can do during a trip are visiting with children, washing feet, health care assistance, and things of this nature. The love and attention we give is more valuable than we understand. We can also do home visits with families in all kinds of situations. The people will never forget the visit, they are so excited you come, and it is an opportunity to meet, share scripture, pray, and bring gifts of food. Giving to meet immediate needs and/or gifts can be done, but the Childrens HopeChest workers give us guidance on what is appropriate and what causes turmoil or damage. We can also get involved in education and medical care if we have the skills and plan it into a trip. As our relationship between our KnownToMe community and the people and children at Ludlati carepoint grows, we can plan special projects with the help of Childrens HopeChest workers to do the most good.

• Please add the words "Ludlati Carepoint Capital Project" in the NOTES box.
• Choose this link to give on-line: Childrens HopeChest on-line payment system

Mailing Address for Ludlati Capital Project donations:

• Write a check to Childrens HopeChest, and please write an added memo "Ludlati Capital Donation" on the check.
• Mail check to the following address:

    Childrens HopeChest
    Attn: Ludlati Carepoint
    PO Box 63842
    Colorado Springs. CO. 80962-3842

Call or write Childrens HopeChest with questions:

    Teresa Hansen - Accounts Receivable Manager
    thansen@hopechest.org
    719-955-4008