Welcome to Hlekweni Friends Rural Service
Our vision: to be a leader in the provision of appropriate training for sustainable livelihoods in rural communities, primarily in Matabeleland
| Latest News | |||
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| Annual Report 2006 - (short version 39kB) | ||
 Hlekweni is busy with new trainees (January 2007) |
 continuing land rehabilitation work |
 fundraising saves Sekai's vision |
 regional Quaker retreat at Hlekweni (April 2007) |
| contact us to subscribe to regular e-mail updates about Hlekweni | |||
Background
Hlekweni was founded by Quakers, and has provided skills training in Matabeleland since 1967. External factors have increased the demand for courses that can lead to self-employment. Hlekweni provides a holistic experience, sharing values of integrity, cooperation and compassion.Bio-intensive farming has been a mainstay of Hlekweni's work in rural areas for many years. Subject to donor funding this work continues largely with impoverished communities. An on-site organic nursery is used for training and demonstration purposes. A vetiver grass nursery is being established, and a nutritional and medicinal nursery are planned.
Training Courses
Our main training courses take six months and include:
- agriculture
- basic building techniques
- carpentry
- early childhood education and care
- metalwork
- sewing and garment making (12 weeks)
These courses run from January to June, and from July to December. They include relevant aspects of life-skills and business training. A number of short courses are also available.
Also at Hlekweni...
We are introducing drip kits and other techniques in our region, in the context of regular food and water shortages.
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Hlekweni manufactures and repairs commercial school and office furniture, and responds to individual requirements.
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Hlekweni provides consultancy and training services, including extension workshops in rural areas.
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Until 2004 we facilitated food distribution to nearby rural areas, in response to acute shortages.
Permission to continue is being sought from the government.
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Based on a 1,800 acre farm near Bulawayo, our grounds include Samathonga Primary School.
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Hlekweni is home to a beef cattle herd, supplementing market garden production and our poultry unit.
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