Social Security for the Children of Swaziland

The concept of social security is relatively new in Swaziland and there are currently limited programs being implemented that directly benefit children. A program that is currently implemented and directly benefits children is the OVC Education Bursary run by the Ministry of Education. Another program that indirectly benefits children is the elderly grant. However, the OVC Education Bursary program seems not to be reaching all of the vulnerable children that need support in the country.

This report highlights the plight of the most vulnerable children within Swaziland. According to the majority of respondents the fundamental needs of children are food, clothing, education, shelter and health care and they are not being met. Most of the respondents were concerned with the many issues that affect children and the sense that the culture of the community is becoming less supportive and more individualistic in nature.