SOS Schools in Swaziland

In Swaziland, around a third of children attend secondary school.

In Swaziland, there are currently two SOS Nurseries and two SOS Schools. These facilities provide education to children from SOS Villages and from the wider community. Staff members are well trained and the resources available to students are of a high standard.  Below you can find an overview on the SOS Children education projects.

A Performer Visits

The Korean performer Won Won Myeong came to entertain the children at Nhlangano. He travels round the world giving a dance performance known as ‘Zaad’ (Seed). Using his whole body, Won Won depicts the circle of life, from a baby being born or a seed beginning to grow in the earth. Some of his dance was adapted to show how those living with HIV/AIDS have hope in their lives. The children’s faces lit up with pure delight at his show.

Mbabane : SOS Schools

The SOS Nursery at Mbabane has capacity for 100 children who come from the SOS Village or the local community.

• In the last couple of years, as well as organising the usual kinds of  play and learning activities for the children, we have been running Practical Life Activity exercises, which help strengthen finger muscles and develop hand-eye coordination. We have found this improves the concentration span of the children, who also find the exercises funny and entertaining. We hope to develop further activities to develop the senses.
• Children are encouraged to be responsible and independent. As well as monitoring the academic progress of each pupil, we also work out their strengths – even for those labelled ‘naughty’. Sometimes we find that it is only when children receive love and support that their potential is discovered.

The SOS Primary and Secondary schools at Mbabane opened in 1990 to cater for children from the SOS Village, as well as those from the local community.

• There are around 600 pupils at the Primary school, including around 70 from the SOS Village.
• The Secondary school has around 350 pupils, with around 10 children attending from the SOS Village. As well as 10 classrooms, the school is equipped with a library and computer room.

Nhlangano : SOS Schools

The SOS Primary School at Nhlangano has around 100 pupils who come from the SOS village, Family Strengthening programme and from the local community.

• The nursery aims to promote each child’s academic performance – where necessary learner support and assistance is provided – so that every year at our graduation ceremony, the oldest children can celebrate their achievement of entry into primary school.
• Recently pupils and parents/carers went on a trip to Badplas in South Africa, which also acted as a fundraising event for the SOS village. Everyone really enjoyed the day, which included fun games and slides.