Ministry of Education and Training

Overview

The Ministry of Education and Training of Eswatini is the principal government agency responsible for overseeing the education system in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Established in 1968, the Ministry's primary mandate is to provide access to relevant and quality education at all levels to all citizens, with a focus on efficacy, equity and addressing special needs. The Ministry plays a pivotal role in formulating and implementing educational policies, curricula and regulations to ensure a cohesive and inclusive education system across the country.

History and Legal Framework

The legal foundation of the Ministry's operations is anchored in the Education Act of 1981, which repealed and replaced the Education Act of 1964. This Act provides the legal framework for the establishment, management and regulation of educational institutions in Eswatini. Additionally, the Higher Education Act of 2013 established the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), granting it the authority to regulate and coordinate higher education to ensure that institutions produce programs responsive to the socio-economic needs of the country.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

The Ministry's mission is to provide access to relevant quality education at all levels to all citizens, taking into account issues of efficacy, equity and special needs. In higher education, the Ministry aims to:

• Enhance the quality and relevance of higher education programs.
• Promote research and innovation to support national development.
• Ensure that higher education institutions align with the socio-economic needs of the country.
• Foster international collaboration and recognition of Eswatini's higher education institutions.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Ministry operates under the authority of the Government of Eswatini and is headed by the Minister of Education and Training, who is appointed by the King. The Ministry's structure includes various departments and agencies responsible for specific areas of education. Notably, the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) is responsible for regulating higher education institutions, ensuring that they meet national standards and produce programs that are responsive to the socio-economic needs of the country.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

Accreditation and quality evaluation in higher education are primarily managed by the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC). ESHEC's mandate includes:

• Registering and accrediting higher education institutions and programs.
• Conducting institutional audits and quality assessments.
• Setting and enforcing standards for higher education.
• Promoting quality assurance practices within institutions.

These measures ensure that higher education institutions in Eswatini deliver programs that are of high quality and meet the needs of the country's development.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Ministry of Education and Training actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and recognition of Eswatini's education system. The Ministry is a member of:

• UNESCO's UNEVOC Network, focusing on technical and vocational education and training.
• Global Partnership for Education (GPE), collaborating on sector-wide education strategies.
• Various regional education forums, participating in policy dialogues and sharing best practices.

Through these memberships, the Ministry gains access to global resources, expertise and funding opportunities to support the development of the education sector in Eswatini.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Ministry's ongoing initiatives aim to:

• Enhance the quality and relevance of higher education programs to meet the evolving needs of the labor market.
• Promote research and innovation to contribute to national development goals.
• Strengthen governance and management within higher education institutions.
• Foster international partnerships to improve the global standing of Eswatini's higher education institutions.

These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the quality and accessibility of higher education in Eswatini, contributing to the country's socio-economic development.

Summary

The Ministry of Education and Training of Eswatini plays a crucial role in shaping the country's education system. Through its comprehensive policies and strategic initiatives, the Ministry strives to provide quality education that meets the needs of all citizens. Its collaboration with national and international partners further strengthens the education sector, ensuring that Eswatini's education system remains responsive to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

FAQs

• What is the role of the Ministry of Education and Training in Eswatini? The Ministry is responsible for overseeing the education system in Eswatini, including formulating policies, implementing curricula and regulating educational institutions.
• When was the Ministry established? The Ministry was established in 1968.
• What is the Education Act of 1981? The Education Act of 1981 is the legal framework that governs the establishment, management and regulation of educational institutions in Eswatini.
• What is the Higher Education Act of 2013? The Higher Education Act of 2013 established the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), granting it the authority to regulate and coordinate higher education in the country.
• What is the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC)? ESHEC is the body responsible for regulating higher education institutions in Eswatini, ensuring that they meet national standards and produce programs responsive to the socio-economic needs of the country.
• What international organizations is the Ministry of Education and Training affiliated with? The Ministry is affiliated with UNESCO's UNEVOC Network, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and various regional education forums.

Organization Name

Ministry of Education and Training

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1/01/1968

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box 39
Mbabane
Hhohho Eswatini

Phone

+268 2404 2491

Fax

+268 2404 3880

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

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Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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