Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, together with the Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Owen Nxumalo, visited St Joseph’s High School on February 11, 2026, to assess progress on the construction of the new state-of-the-art boys’ hostel, funded by the Republic of China (Taiwan), which is set to be completed by April 22, 2026.
The inspection highlights the government’s commitment to modernizing educational infrastructure and creating a safe, inclusive learning environment for emaSwati students.
The hostel project is part of a broader initiative, backed by Taiwan, to revitalize critical infrastructure at St Joseph’s School. With a generous E6.3 million donation from Taiwan, the upgrades include refurbishing both boys’ and girls’ hostels, modernizing kitchens and toilets, and addressing aging structures affected by leaks and general wear.
The improvements are designed to enhance student welfare, strengthen access to quality education, and provide a modern, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
Deputy Prime Minister Dladla emphasized the government’s focus on inclusive education. “We are determined to expand and modernize the hostels to better accommodate children with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs. This effort, involving the Ministry of Education and the Catholic Church, will begin before the onset of summer rains,” she said, praising the Catholic Church for its early leadership in supporting children with disabilities.
Minister Owen highlighted the importance of equipping classrooms with specialized tools for deaf and blind learners. “Prioritizing devices and resources for vulnerable children remains central to our educational agenda,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to putting students with special needs at the center of educational planning.
The construction project, overseen by Micro Project, demonstrates the government’s ongoing focus on school infrastructure development and inclusive education. Through strategic partnerships with Taiwan and collaboration with local leadership, Eswatini is taking decisive steps to ensure modern, safe, and accessible educational facilities that meet the needs of all learners.
