Education is a cornerstone of holistic development, particularly for orphaned and vulnerable children who face numerous social and economic challenges. In Eswatini, providing quality education goes beyond imparting academic knowledge — it is a mission-critical effort that nurtures the entire child, builds a foundation for future success, and fosters hope within communities. Our educational programs, ranging from early childhood education in ICBC Preschools to a comprehensive K-12 curriculum at Bulembu Christian Academy, are designed to not only educate but also transform lives. Read more to understand the importance of our educational initiatives and their role in shaping the future of Eswatini.
Early childhood education is a vital pillar of our work, particularly in rural communities where access to quality education and nutrition is often limited. Our ICBC Preschools serve over 1,000 children in rural communities, providing a holistic learning environment that addresses both educational and nutritional needs. These preschools are more than just learning centers; they are lifelines that offer children a strong start in life. We are experiencing tremendous growth in our preschools, adding about 30% more students each year.
Key Impact Areas of ICBC Preschools:
Our preschools serve as essential touchpoints for engaging with families and guardians in rural communities. By creating an environment that fosters learning and well-being, we establish trust and build relationships that extend beyond the classroom. Through regular interactions, we gain insights into the children's home environments, allowing us to identify cases where guardianship is absent or where additional support is needed. Early Intervention - by identifying the absence of guardians or signs of vulnerability early on, we can intervene and provide additional support. This proactive approach helps prevent children from falling through the cracks and ensures that they receive the care and guidance they need for a brighter future. It also affords us the opportunity to walk alongside families and help lean into family-strengthening mechanisms and training when vulnerabilities or weaknesses are identified.
Bulembu Christian Academy (BCA) represents the next phase in our commitment to educating and nurturing orphaned and vulnerable children. Our mission is to provide quality Christian education that equips the whole child to reach their full potential as godly leaders. By integrating a Christ-centered curriculum with academic excellence, BCA shapes students into critical thinkers, life-long learners, and individuals of sound Christian character.
Many children placed in Bulembu’s care have either been victims of severe trauma, resulting in emotional and often educational stunting. Other children have been denied access to education because of poverty, or an inability to prove orphan status to obtain the government’s educational grant. Often as a result of being a child-led home without access to any form of documentation.
Regardless of their path, the children in Bulembu rarely have an equal start line in their academic journey. This is one of the great miracles of BCA producing some of the highest-scoring graduates in the nation. BCA’s results are consistently among the top schools in the country not only in overall results but often specific subjects are among the best. We were particularly pleased the year we were the top Science school in the country.
At the earliest stages of formal education, Bulembu Pre-Primary School offers a nurturing environment for two- to six-year-old learners. Our aim is to provide a relevant foundation for future learning through a combination of physical activities and semi-formal experiential learning.