During 2021 the Charity has experienced numerous challenges which fortunately we have been able to overcome in various ways with the help of our supporters
- Cyclone Eloise hit Southern Africa and created significant damage to one of the PIES Centres
- The Jungle Gym was destroyed and thankfully replaced by a generous donation
- Numerous lockdowns and curfews took place due to COVID restrictions
- Pro-democracy protests have occurred throughout the year which also resulted in lockdowns
- Schools have been closed on several occasions and lessons continued by the local radio station. PIES children were issued with radios
- Due to lockdowns, the Centres were closed on several occasions and children and guardians were provided with food parcels
- The good news all the children attending the Centres have escaped COVID-19
- The number of children attending the two Centres has increased to around 230 due to the demand for food
- Malnutrition has become a serious problem
Despite all the setbacks the Centres have continued to operate their sewing, gardening and beekeeping projects be it in a limited way and we are looking forward to a productive 2022.
