Africa-Press – Eswatini. Parents across the Kingdom can breathe a sigh of relief as Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo announced at a press conference on Monday that nearly all primary schools have received their Free Primary Education (FPE) programme grants.
This timely infusion of funds came just before schools reopened for the new year yesterday. The Minister said that FPE funding has been disbursed to almost all primary schools across the country. This vital programme ensures access to quality education for all children, and the government has been committed to its smooth implementation.
While celebrating the widespread distribution of funds, the Minister acknowledged that a few schools in the Hhohho region were experiencing a slight delay.
The Minister said this is due to some late submission of required documents. However, the Minister assured parents and school administrators in these areas that their payments are being prioritized and will be processed before the end of the week.
The FPE program, established in 2010, covers school fees and provides essential learning materials for primary school students. It has played a crucial role in increasing access to education and reducing dropout rates in Eswatini. The timely release of funds ensures a smooth start to the academic year and guarantees uninterrupted learning for all children.
The Ministry of Education and Training established a bill (gazette) in 2010 that would be a road Map for the implementation of FPE. The Gazette provides conditions on how and when non-Swazi children can be admitted and who determines the fees they should pay.
The Ministry has put in place some strategies towards attaining Free Primary which include extending Primary school entry age from 6 to 9 years for grade one; and 7 to 11 for grade two.
School kids from a primary school in eSwatini play during a schooling outing near the capital city of Mbabane.
This was done to accommodate all out-of-school children who were above six but not above 11 years old. Also, Sebenta Non-Formal Upper Primary Education {NUPE} was expanded for children above ten years who seek admission into Grade One.
Sebenta is using existing primary school facilities for the NUPE classes while rural Education Centres {RECs} will also be used as Satellites for the programme. In places where the influx will be very high like in urban\peri-urban schools the shift system will used.
Minister Owen warns headteachers on expelling pupils over unpaid fees
In a swift move to safeguard pupils, the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has issued a stern warning to headteachers against expelling pupils for unpaid school fees.
Addressing the issue head-on, Nxumalo emphasized that education remains a fundamental right, and financial hurdles faced by families should not become a barrier to learning.
Nxumalo’s directive delineates the responsibility of school administrators, stating that engaging directly with parents and guardians about fee arrears is the preferred course of action.
Back to School: Smooth sailing as schools open, some teachers and parents acknowledge a positive start
The pupils and the mentors that went to inspire them and assist in the different careers available out there.
With doors flung open across the kingdom, the new school year has begun, and it seems the first-day jitters were met with smooth sailing. Teachers and parents alike reported a positive start, with classrooms buzzing with anticipation and learning.
“It was a much calmer opening than we’ve sometimes seen,” shared Ngcebo Hlophe a teacher from Mkhuzweni High School. “Everything ran smoothly, from registration to class placements. The children are excited to be back, and that’s always a good sign.”
Parents echoed the sentiment, expressing relief at the seamless transition back to school routines. “The process was efficient and organized,” commented Nhlanhla Sikhondze, who dropped off his two children at Manzini Nazarene High School.
“It’s a positive start and the kids seem happy to be back with their friends and teachers.”
Source: Eswatini Daily News
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