SWAZILAND: Giving orphans “some time of real childhood”

IRIN
humanitarian news and analysis
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

MBABANE, 20 February 2008 (IRIN) - The hubbub generated by the 70-odd children tearing around a sunny three-room building belies their vulnerability: most of them have been orphaned as a result of Swaziland's AIDS pandemic, but here they have found safety and support.

Ngwane Park Care Point, set in a large yard, was the first urban neighbourhood pre-school in Manzini, Swaziland's commercial centre, but six others have been established in the past two years. Besides the 70 children that attend classes, 350 drop in for the day's main meal, served at 2.00 p.m.

With 30 percent of Swazi children having lost one or both parents due to AIDS, the neighbourhood care points have become a real refuge. "This is particularly true in towns, where children can get lost. This is a community care point, and that means it is sponsored by the community," said Banele Mnisi, 26, a volunteer teacher.

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