Education is very expensive for the average Swazi family. We know a family with boys ages 16,15, & 11 and a girl 13. From our observation they are considered on the high end of middle class here. They do not have enough money to send them all to school. Guess who is left out. The 13 year old girl. Also from our contact with the family she is a very bright, intelligent child.
The average cost per child is between $500 to $1000 per year depending on the school and grade. Also all children must have uniforms. The average income per family is $3000 to $5000 per year.
This country will not progress as it should until there is free education at least through grade 7 which would put Swaziland on equal footing with South Africa. There are way too many children not in school.
The facilities for education for the most part are very poor. There is often not enough desks, chairs, or books.
Athletics might often be over emphasized in the U S, but other than soccer we see very little here in Swaziland.
We who have been involved in sports realize that it is good for our health and often gives young people something to do. The adolescents have hormones raging and they lack this outlet. We believe this adds to the promiscuity and of course the HIV/AIDS problem.
It would neat if the SNU Soccer team could come over and play against some of the Swazi club teams.
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