BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– Believe it or not, Eswatini has the best education system.
In fact, the pursuit of the greatest education has always been a top priority for human civilization and Eswatini seems to have achieved that.
Eswatini has been listed in the top 20 countries with the best education system in 2022. This is according to the Global Education report for the year 2022.
According to the report the Rankings are based on information made available by each country to international education, economic, and intelligence Sources. Eswatini is number seven on the ranking list and internationally the country is number 105.
The report further mentioned that education is what distinguishes people from one another, and empowers people to act for the betterment of society.
“Although the ranking is based on the various parameters indicated above, we will concentrate on the two most important ones: One of the best indices that international investors can use to assess economic, institutional, and financial aspects is the Global Opportunity Index.
“The Quality Index provides information on a nation’s physical safety, economic security, employment opportunities, and other factors.” Read the report in part.
Worth noting is that Eswatini is ranked with countries like Tunisia, Ghana and Sao Tome and Principe among others.
When addressing the report findings Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary (PS) Bhekithemba Gama said the report was truthful, as they had worked hard to make sure the best education is provided for all pupils in the country.
He further said they were working in accordance with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPM) child welfare act, which requires every child to be in school and have a right to education.
“We are humbled and proud to be part of the list and be ranked among countries we have seen doing great things with their education system.
“Considering how the education process has been halted due to riots and COVID-19 this is quite an achievement.” He said.
A practicing head teacher at one of the top achieving schools in Mbabane, Mandla Sibandze said the report is motivating and came at the right time. He said although it highlighted the education system in the country, it also puts us educators on the map.
“No one talks about how hard teachers work and put in effort in making sure we deliver the best results. We are really grateful for such reports that highlight our hard work and dedication,” said Sibandze.
Meanwhile Education in Eswatini includes pre-school, primary, secondary and high schools, for general education and training (GET), and universities and colleges at tertiary level.
Pre-school education is usually for children five years or younger. Primary school education begins for children at age seven, at the end of which students take the external primary school certificate exam.
Primary school is followed by junior secondary school which is three years. The final two years of secondary school lead to pre-university training. The final school exam is the Swaziland General Certificate of Education (SGCSE) or the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE). A few schools offer the AS and A-levels or the International Baccalaureate.
Tertiary education in Eswatini includes universities, technical and vocational colleges, teacher and nursing colleges and business colleges, located in various towns and cities around the country, with the biggest concentration being in the Manzini-Mbabane corridor. The University of Eswatini is the national university, and the only institution offering research level and post-graduate facilities in the country. Many students enroll in universities and colleges in neighboring countries such as South Africa.
