BY SETHABILE MYENI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Education and Training has assured emaSwati that government was ready for the reopening of schools.
For this academic year, schools will open on January 23, 2024.
Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo disclosed government’s readiness today morning during letishisako program on EBIS.
Firstly, the minister addressed the nation on Free Primary Education (FPE), saying government was committed to paying monies for the program. He stated that preparations were at the final stage and soon the ministry will be disbursing money to schools accounts.
Nxumalo recalled that during Sibaya People’s Parliament emaSwati raised concerns about delays in FPE money distribution. This, he said, has forced government to change its strategy to allow a fast distribution.
“The delay in FPE payment constantly disturbed schools operations. However we are hoping that we are not going to experience any delay in 2024. This is because our officers have concluded planning and everything is at advanced level,” said Nxumalo.
The minister also stated that feeding scheme issue was the most concerning for emaSwati judging from the submissions they made during Sibaya, saying that food shortages in schools also affected, not only their health, but also their performance in class.
“I have communicated with the officials responsible for feeding scheme. They have promised to deliver the food during the first week of schools reopening. Although we almost have everything prepared we are still having a challenge fixing the schools that were damaged by the hailstorm in Ngculwini and Mafutseni. We are still working on it as the Cabinet, we have awarded the construction companies that would be doing the work. We also did our calculations and found out that almost 37 million is needed for this project and we are hoping to get it soon,” he said. Meanwhile, parents countrywide are busy preparing for schools opening, with some looking to secure spaces for their children.
