"A world full of small adults" 

"It's quite alarming. Nearly three-quarters of my class are orphaned," says Mr. Mashanga about his work as special education teacher. At the SOS Hermann Gmeiner Primary school in the northwest of Zimbabwe, Mashanga supports children who need extra assistance. Zimbabwe has the highest percentage of orphaned children in the world. Thousands of Zimbabweans die from HIV-related illnesses every week, and almost one in four children, making up 1.1 million, are now orphaned by AIDS.

The hardships and struggles that confront these children daily turns learning and going to school into an extra burden that sometimes is hard for them to carry. "I am sure that the emotional impact of being orphaned is a contributing factor to them being a part of the special class," Mr. Mashanga continues. "They miss the parental attachment." For the children lacking the support of a family, learning and education is even more crucial. Education plays a key role for their futures, their possibilities to find a job and their chances to live healthy and independent lives.

"These pupils often lack love ..."

With its "Back to school" campaign, SOS Children's Villages supports orphaned children in daily life and through scholarships makes sure they can go to school. Mrs Muripira teaches grade two children (who are about seven years old) at the SOS Hermann Gmeiner School: "These pupils often lack love and they need to find that it is love that is lacking. Most of the children in my class who are orphaned seem to need extra moral support to boost their confidence."

Mrs Gombakomba, who is the acting teacher in charge of the school, comments: "The situation is pathetic. Children have to learn to be adults before their time. If you talk to these children they have stories that will move your heart. What is the world coming to? We are going to end up in a world full of 'small adults'."