Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Education and Training, in its performance report, has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the 2026/27 financial year, anchored by a budget allocation of over E5.47 billion aimed at expanding Free Primary Education (FPE), improving teachers’ welfare, and advancing key reforms across the sector.
The Ministry has been allocated a total of E5 474 734 879, which will fund both recurrent and capital projects. Of this amount, E5 065 990 879 has been earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while E408 746 000 will go towards capital development projects.
Expansion of free primary education
A central priority for the Ministry is the continued strengthening and expansion of the Free Primary Education programme. The initiative seeks to ensure that all children in the country have equitable access to quality primary education without financial constraints.
Government aims to remove barriers to entry and retention in schools, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged learners, as part of its broader commitment to inclusive education.
Growth of AS and A Level programmes
Following a successful pilot phase, the Ministry plans to expand Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Level (A Level) programmes to more schools. This move is intended to widen post-secondary education pathways and better prepare learners for tertiary education and the job market.
To support this expansion, teachers will undergo targeted professional development, while schools will receive essential resources such as laboratory chemicals, equipment, and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) materials.
Rollout of competency-based education
The Ministry will continue implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE) at junior secondary level. This approach is designed to align learning outcomes between primary and secondary education, while equipping learners with practical skills and competencies.
Teachers will receive training and ongoing support to ensure effective delivery of the new curriculum.
Skills development for youth and adults
In a bid to address unemployment and enhance self-reliance, the Ministry will strengthen skills development programmes targeting youth and adults. These initiatives will be delivered through Rural Education Centres and other training institutions.
The focus will be on equipping participants with practical, market-relevant skills to improve employability and support entrepreneurship.
Investment in digital learning
Recognising the increasing importance of technology in education, the Ministry will continue to invest in e-learning infrastructure and platforms. This includes further development of the Eswatini Learning Passport, which aims to improve access to digital educational resources and ensure continuity of learning.
Creation of permanent teaching posts
Improving teachers’ welfare remains a key focus area. The Ministry has committed to creating and converting teaching positions into permanent and pensionable posts across both primary and secondary schools.
This initiative is expected to enhance job security, boost morale among educators, and ultimately improve the quality of education delivery.
Commitment to delivery
The Ministry expressed confidence in its ability to effectively implement its mandate within the allocated budget. It also acknowledged the continued support of the Portfolio Committee, emphasising the importance of collaboration in achieving national education goals.
Officials noted that the planned interventions are aligned with broader national development objectives and are expected to significantly contribute to the growth and transformation of the education sector in the coming financial year.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
