Eswatini

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) experienced tragic impacts from both the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing political unrest in the nation. Families and children continue to suffer from the effects of violence, loss of income, and educational setbacks.

In the past several years, violent political protests and strikes took the lives of children and destroyed some schools. This, along with the pandemic, interrupted the opportunity for children to receive education in safe environments. The country saw an uptick in sexual violence against children, particularly during lockdowns. Additionally, many people have lost jobs and sources of livelihood. Many families are also suffering from food insecurity due to a loss in crop production.

World Vision continues to advocate for increased protection of vulnerable children, as well as the provision of psychosocial support in the wake of increased violence within the country. We’ve also empowered 13,500 families with access to community-based savings and lending groups, increasing the opportunity for them to build credit. In response to the pandemic, World Vision supported communities with gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and educational resources to help prevent sickness.