Young school children peer through the open window of their classroom. Their eyes are wide with wonder and curiosity at these light skinned strangers wandering around their campus. These kids, and they are the lucky ones, go to a small rural school up in the hills above Illula and not too far from Iringa in south central Tanzania. Boys and girls alike wear blue and white uniforms and shaved heads to keep lice at bay. This area of Tanzania has the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS, exceeding ten percent of the population by some estimates. Consequently, many of the children are orphans and are forced to support themselves. They do not get adequate health care and are malnourished. Public education is available but many children do not go to school because their parents can not afford school fees, books and uniforms.
African Eyes
