Meet Matthew, a beacon of hope and gratitude from Eswatini. We first meet Matthew at a young age in the Thulwane area, where he grew up attending the Thulwane CarePoint. This community hub, supported by Hands Against Hunger®, provided him with nutritious meals and a safe space. For Matthew, the CarePoint was a second home.

Every day, Matthew would trek to the CarePoint with an empty bowl in hand and firewood he would collect along the way. This firewood would then be used to fuel the fire that would cook the meals in a large pot.

At just 12 years old, Matthew found nourishment and community at the CarePoint

Hands Against Hunger® meals were more than just an antidote to hunger—they were a symbol of stability and care.

He remembers eagerly waiting for those meals, enjoying them in between soccer matches, and even asking for extra helpings. These meals fueled his body and dreams, helping him grow strong and healthy.

The impact of these meals extends far beyond Matthew. His family, struggling to find enough food, felt a tremendous burden lifted. Knowing Matthew had access to regular, nutritious meals gave his parents peace of mind and allowed them to focus on other essential needs.

The CarePoint’s support didn’t just feed Matthew; it sustained his entire family.

Today, Matthew is 20 and a university student. He dreams of becoming a business advisor, driven by a passion to see his community back home flourish with empowerment and opportunities. His journey wasn’t easy, but the support he received at the CarePoint made all the difference.

Despite a busy class schedule, Matthew frequently returns home to the CarePoint as a mentor and leader. He leads by example, participating in CarePoint activities and showing the younger kids the goodness of the community. His hobbies include playing soccer and drawing, but he especially loves soccer because it keeps him healthy.

Matthew is grateful for the support that has helped shape his life and is committed to giving back to his community.

For families in Eswatini, a brighter future isn’t just on the horizon—it’s here.

Thanks to the support of people like you, homes once haunted by extreme hunger are now filled with health and peace of mind. Your gifts are changing lives and creating ripples of hope that will benefit generations to come.