ABSTRACT
This chapter explores early education and care in Swaziland, a small, traditional country of about one million people in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Just as Kazakhstan bears the indelible imprint of the Soviet Union, Swaziland was shaped by the British Empire. Colonial traditions permeate the country, from the bacon, egg, porridge and scones served for breakfast in the hotels to the most minute structures of government. I discuss the history of government and the role of the monarchy in Swaziland, and how these impact on the delivery of early childhood services. The provision is mostly ad hoc and offers a very low key service to children; it does very little to relieve the poverty or improve the prospects of the 15 per cent of children who attend. Above all, children’s lives are affected by HIV/AIDS. An estimated 15 per cent of households are child-headed. The exceptionally vulnerable position of young children in Swaziland is an issue which should concern anyone involved with children.
