Hampton-Piggs Peak
& Energy Atlantica Partnership
Hampton-Piggs Peak
An AIDS epidemic, on a scale unknown anywhere else in the world, is devastating Swaziland. In the face of their suffering, the Swazi people cling to an ideal they call “ubuntu”, the essence of humanity that tells us we are all connected and should care for each other. Energy Atlantica is proud to partner with the community of Hampton NB to care for our neighbours, the people of Swaziland…the people of Piggs Peak.
In the spirit of ubuntu, we are – because they are.
Origin Story
Ms. Thandi Nhlengethwa, Director of The AIDS Information and Support Centre (TASC) in Swaziland, visited Hampton High School in Hampton, NB in 2004. Mark Bettle, the founder of HPPP, was invited to listen to her presentation by a teacher at Hampton High School.
Mark listened to Thandi convey statistics about the impacts of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland and learned that they have the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS and the lowest life expectancy in the world. He listened as Thandi told the stories about teenage girls raising younger siblings; 80-year old grandmothers caring for as many as 12 grandchildren in a one-room hut; and 6-year old children being afraid of dying, because death is all they see and was immediately compelled to help.
Mark travelled to Piggs Peak, a town in Swaziland, to see the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS first hand. Through several meetings with the people of Piggs Peak and residents of the Town of Hampton, the Hampton-Piggs Peak Partnership was formed.
“The support from Hampton has shown us that dreams can come true. It changed my life. I hope to give back, both as a teacher and possibly as a sponsor myself.”
Sinenhlanhla Motsa, a 17-year-old girl who cares for her 5-year-old sister. TK, who works for the charity, shared her struggles: “Three years ago, Sinenhlanhla was forced to drop school because no one was going to pay for her school fees. Secondly, she was taking care of her sister. She was a maid for two of her rich neighbours, making money for their food and necessities”
“She put some money aside from another homestead she was doing washing for so that she could go back to school in 2024. But she didn’t manage to pay for third term. This girl was going to school and taking the little one to a pre-school paid by the government. She passed Form 2 and I wonder how she managed to pass with all this extra work as a maid and doing washing for the other homestead. During December school holidays she made enough money to finish up last year’s fees.”
“This year, Sinenhlanhla gave up because of the situation she is living under. She was quitting school. That’s where I came in. I arranged with a Member of Parliament here to help take care of the little sister including breakfast, clothes, and pre-school uniform. Then I told Sinenhlanhla she was selected by us to go back to Enkhaba High School for her Form 3. She still cares for her little sister but with no concern about necessities.”
Thanks to the help of Energy Atlantica who took the lead on donating and recruiting local business executives, Hampton-Piggs Peak Partnership is sending 500 youth to school in Eswatini, Africa! Education is not free there so without help these kids would not be able to attend high school. We have doubled our impact in two years! Each year, as donations are made, more children are added to the program, changing lives, and providing hope for a better future for individuals and communities.
Todd McDonald, CEO Energy Atlantica and Co-Founder of GIVETOLIVE
