Social security for Children

The concept of social security is relatively new in Swaziland and there are a limited number of programs being implemented that directly benefit children. One of the programs that are currently implemented which directly benefits children is the OVC Education Bursary program run by the Ministry of Education. Another program that indirectly benefits children is the elderly grant.  However, with the numbers of OVCs growing daily, the OVC Education Bursary program is not reaching all of the vulnerable children that need support in the country.
In view of this, Save the Children Swaziland conducted a Social Security study mainly to identify the needs and priorities of children in the country. It also aimed at establishing the foundations of an appropriate social security that would be more suitable and sustainable for Swazi children.

This study has revealed that despite the common understanding of the term social security, there may not be a clear understanding of the various social security systems available to cater for the children of Swaziland.  It is clear that many children are not accessing their basic needs and that government is not providing for these needs.  It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide a benchmark from which government can work towards supporting the children and their responsibility towards the realisation of children’s rights.

Read full report (Click here to Social Security Report)