Swaziland: School Funds for AIDS orphans So Near - Yet So Far

Swazi school children returned to their hostels Friday (May 7) in preparation for the second term of the academic year. However, a question mark hangs over the fate of thousands of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children who may not be permitted to continue their schooling this term. In a speech delivered at the opening of parliament last month, King Mswati the Third said, "We will continue to do whatever we can do to ensure that no child is deprived of a basic education." Swaziland is Africa's last absolute monarchy.