HUBS OF IMPACT | PROJECT SUPPORT VISIT
Summary
HCI Foundation visited Mdletsheni in Hluhluwe for a Hubs of Impact site support visit with partners including The Lunchbox Fund, Innovation: Africa, TREE, and Kuhle Kuyeza. A new community development committee was introduced to help guide and protect local projects involving schools, ECD centres, farmers, and traditional leaders.
The visit highlighted key needs such as better ECD resources, improved infrastructure, and increased water access, reinforcing the value of community-led development.
This week marked a special Hubs of Impact project support visit for HCI Foundation in Mdletsheni, Hluhluwe, bringing together key partners committed to strengthening community development.Partners included The Lunchbox Fund (nutritional support for educational programmes), Innovation: Africa (water provision), TREE (quality early learning programme support) and Kuhle Kuyeza (vegetable cooperative support and training).
This visit created an important space for implementers to connect, align on shared goals, and strengthen collaboration across the community.
We also attended a community development event organised by the community, where a new development committee was introduced. The committee includes representation from schools, ECD centres, farmers, the water committee, and traditional leadership, and will help coordinate and safeguard development initiatives across the Mdletsheni community.
Community members shared their appreciation for the work already done and highlighted key needs, including ECD learning resources, infrastructure improvements, ablution facilities for schools, extended water provision, and additional support for clinic outreach services.
One school principal shared that “water is a luxury and life in our communities,” explaining that access to water has reduced disruptions to teaching and learning, allowing schools to focus on their core purpose—giving hope.
The community also made a strong commitment to ensuring that every investment is protected, sustained, and used to support long-term growth.
As we left Hluhluwe, we felt hopeful and grateful. This was a powerful reminder that lasting community development happens when people are empowered to lead their own progress.
Source: Malusi Ntoyapi, Programmes & Innovation Manager (HCI Foundation)
