Seven ways we keep children learning

The core of OGKCO's mission: direct payment of school fees for children whose families cannot afford them. Unpaid fees are the single most critical barrier to education in Eswatini — several of the children we support had been out of school for up to four years before we stepped in.

Many schools require uniforms that families simply cannot buy, and some children walk to school barefoot through winter. This program provides complete uniforms and new shoes so children can attend school with dignity and meet school requirements.

Children cannot learn without the basics: stationery, exercise books, school bags and grade-appropriate materials. We supply them so that a lack of a pencil never keeps a child from participating in class.

A hungry child cannot learn. This program provides food support to beneficiaries and their families, making sure children have the nutrition they need for healthy development and concentration in class.

Beyond the school gate, many beneficiary families lack everyday clothing, toiletries and personal care items. This program addresses material poverty at home so that children can live — not just study — with dignity.

Children with disabilities face additional barriers to education and everyday life. We provide comprehensive assistance to beneficiaries living with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, cognitive disabilities, mobility impairments, communication disabilities and complex needs.

Without a birth certificate, a child in Eswatini can be refused school enrolment and government services. Several of our beneficiaries lacked this basic document — so we help families obtain it.