Your experience of culture shock in Swaziland

Hi I visited Swaziland and worked with young children. I was surprised to see that the children were looking down when I was talking to them. In the UK it is appropriate to look and listen when a older person speaks to show respect and show you are listening. You sometimes hear adults shouting 'look at me!' when they are in conflict with a child. thankfully someone told me that in Swaziland it is the opposite. Looking down is a sign of respect. But as i teach physical theatre I need them to look at me in future. How do I get around this politely
I asked nicely but they were so used to looking down...