World Vision's response to schools closure in Eswatini

World Vision regrets reports of the closure of schools in Eswatini, and encourages all parties in the current situation to work in a way that allows children to continue their education, in peace and security.  The most vulnerable children in Eswatini deserve their chance to prepare for the future with a good education. They are already among 85 million around the world who have seen their schooling interrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, according to a World Vision report released late last year. 

As an organisation working with children in Eswatini, we are deeply concerned about the impact of school closures on children’s education and, by extension, their future. We know that crises have a destabilising effect on communities, and particularly impact children’s mental, social, and physical wellbeing.  

World Vision remains committed to responding to the needs of children and communities, providing our assistance where children are most in need. We abide by the Red Cross Code of Conduct and the Sphere Project minimum standards in humanitarian assistance, to ensure we provide aid regardless of race, creed, religion or nationality and that our work does not reflect a particular political standpoint. Our stance of humanitarian neutrality is a vital part of our ability to respond to children’s needs, both in Eswatini and around the world.

As a child-focused organisation that works in many fragile contexts across the globe, we have often dealt with the results of conflict, where 70% of the worst-affected people are children.  We will continue to play our part in supporting Eswatini’s children to enjoy peace, security, education and good nutrition. 

World Vision International was established in 1950 and has been operational in Eswatini since 1992. Initially, World Vision’s work in Eswatini focused mainly on emergency relief after the devastating drought that hit the country. In 1996 the focus shifted from relief to disaster mitigation, rehabilitation, and transformational development. In the last Strategy period of 2016 to 2020, World Vision Eswatini successfully contributed to the wellbeing of 250,000 children through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Livelihoods, Child Protection and Faith and Development initiatives.  

Contact:

Ms. Lungile Dlamini-Zwane 

Communications & Campaigns Manager 

World Vision Eswatini 

Phone: 2404 1102/6/9 

E-mail: lungile_zwane@wvi.org

Mbabane, Eswatini