Eswatini continues to face economic and social challenges that make it hard for many children to access quality education, especially in rural areas. More than half of the population lives below the national poverty line¹, and many families struggle to cover the costs of school fees, uniforms, or transportation. In remote communities, limited access to clean water and healthcare also affects school attendance and learning outcomes². Because the country’s economy depends heavily on agriculture and imported goods, economic instability often limits the government’s ability to invest in schools and early childhood programs³. Poor rural infrastructure—like unpaved roads and long distances to school—makes it even harder for young children to attend regularly⁴.
The challenges facing Eswatini’s youngest learners are especially visible at the community level. Many early education centers don’t have enough classroom space, forcing young children into crowded or shared environments that aren’t designed for foundational learning⁵. High rates of malnutrition also take a toll—causing stunted growth, weaker immune systems, and difficulty focusing in class⁶. When children experience nutrient deficiencies and lack access to early learning resources, they often face developmental delays that make it harder to start school ready to learn⁷. Without proper nutrition and supportive classrooms in their earliest years, many kids begin their education already at a disadvantage.
This summer, HXP Builders will help create a brighter start for Eswatini’s youngest learners by constructing a new classroom for Grade 0 students (kindergarten). The multipurpose space will welcome around 50 children each day and also host Expressive Arts classes—giving students a place to learn, play, and grow. By providing a safe and developmentally appropriate environment, this project will strengthen early learning and help kids build confidence socially, creatively, and emotionally. The new classroom will ease overcrowding, open more access to early education, and set a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Sources:
² UNICEF
⁴ UNDP