'I'm an optimist. Hope is essential' - Empowering girls in Swaziland, the African country with the highest incidence of HIV

In Swaziland, the small African ­country with the world's highest incidence of HIV, an Irish ­missionary is determined to ­empower young girls to change their lives.

Mother of two Hlengiwe (who has cerebral palsy and HIV) with her four-year-old daughter Bagcinile in a township in Swaziland. Photo: Clare Keogh

Graham Clifford

One young head pops around the corner, then another and another. They're giggling in unison. Sitting in his 'office', an old table surrounded by a few chairs on the veranda of a bungalow, Fr Martin McCormack springs to his feet and disappears indoors before returning with lollipops for the mischievous trio - who by now have grown in courage and have hands outstretched.

Since he first came here in 1976, Martin has worked with the children of Swaziland helping to feed and educate thousands. Focussing on empowerment, he aims "to create leaders". He's worked elsewhere but the road always seems to lead him back to this stunning mountainous kingdom.