Matsapha – World Vision Eswatini has renewed its promise to prioritise children’s rights and welfare, affirming that the concerns raised by children in recent dialogues are central to the organisation’s future direction.
Speaking at World’s Children at Esibayeni National Director Amos William Zaindi said the organisation listens to the children and remains committed to acting on the issues they highlighted, in line with its mandate as a child-focused organisation.
He emphasised that child participation remains one of World Vision’s core principles, making platforms where children express themselves crucial to shaping policies and programmes. The Director also applauded the Deputy Prime Minister and her office for their unwavering dedication to children’s issues, noting that government partnership is essential for meaningful progress.
World Vision’s new strategy, which will guide the organisation up to 2030, is deeply rooted in extensive consultations with children. These included community dialogues as well as direct engagements with the Board of Directors and the Senior Leadership Team, an intentional effort to ensure that children’s real experiences influence organisational decisions.
According to the Zaindi, many of the concerns voiced by children align with World Vision’s priority areas which are ending violence against children, tackling hunger and malnutrition, boosting food security, advancing inclusion of children with disabilities, strengthening child protection systems, and pushing for effective implementation of child-focused policies.
He highlighted that access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools and communities remains a critical area of support, especially because improved WASH infrastructure boosts children’s wellbeing and enhances food production. As part of its ongoing ENOUGH Campaign to End Child Hunger and Malnutrition, World Vision continues to advocate for sustainable, nutritious school feeding programmes. The organisation is also ensuring that WASH facilities are disability-inclusive, with features such as ramps for easier access.
“While we acknowledge that we are not yet where we should be, I want to reassure children that we hear them,” the Director said. “We will continue to act, in support of government efforts, to address the issues they have raised. Truly, it is time to act on our promises,” he noted.
With children’s voices now firmly guiding the organisation’s new strategic path, World Vision says its commitment to helping every child thrive remains stronger than ever.
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