Government Work
The following picture from the Times of Swaziland goes a long way in illustrating the situation with government here in Swaziland:
Here’s the situation: Schools in Swaziland have been in chaos for the last month due to lack of funds in the government. Most delayed opening, then many closed down again after opening. Basically the government has committed to pay fees for most primary grades as well as fees for all OVCs (orphans and vulnerable children), yet, there simply isn’t enough money in the coffers to pay the bills. As a result, there has been a lot of political wrangling and posturing and it has been the children who are suffering the consequences. Even when the schools are open, there are still major issues.
That brings us to this picture…
In this country there isn’t enough money to pay teachers; all our classrooms are beyond over-crowded; students have already been shorted instruction days; many students who want to attend school can’t because of huge fees; and, there is the constant threat that schools will again be closed…
YET… the things that actually gets attention is the inspection of a school bell. Really?!?! That is what is most important?!?! AND… it takes four people to accomplish the task. How about we address the things will actually effect the educational process for the children of this country who have already been deprived of so much!
We are majoring in the minors here people! The things that matter are ignored while a ridiculous amount of attention is spent on things that are almost entirely without consequence.
I wish this was just another funny example of oddball Swazi journalism (if you can even call it that), but unfortunately, it is indicative the situation as a whole.
Ben, Do you know the cost to send a child to school? Lynne