In the face of Rabat's procrastination, Sahrawian self-determination is now thought unrealistic. Each camp has its own hospital, school, garden and governing council. Everyone works in exchange for rationed but free food and medicine. But lack of fruit and vegetables is blamed for stunted children with brittle bones. As with many shepherds, glaucoma is the price she has paid for a life spent in the wind and sun.
Foreign surgeons visit monthly.
The schools run short of copybooks and pens but the barefoot children invent games with cardboard and tyres. A girl with a skipping rope is mimicked by two friends without. A War on Want convoy of toys is due in March. Some dream of quitting. They approach with discreet queries about visas and border controls.