BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, expressed his desire for more schools to receive science kits.
During the handover of 20 science kits on 14 March 2025 at the Ministry of Education and Training Conference Room in Mbabane, Nxumalo proposed that 20 science kits be procured for schools annually over the next five years. He was represented by his Principal Secretary, Bheki Gama, who also spoke through the Director of Guidance and Counselling, Lindiwe Dlamini. Nxumalo stated that the science kits donated by MTN Eswatini and Ubombo Sugar Limited were just the beginning of good things to come.
The minister mentioned that more schools would receive such important learning materials. He indicated that moving forward, they proposed procuring 20 science kits annually over the next five years to extend their reach to as many rural schools as possible. Nxumalo kindly appealed to corporate partners to continue supporting their mission to promote STEM education, fostering innovation and invention among the bright young minds of Eswatini.
He emphasised that education is the cornerstone of any society’s development, asserting that it is through education that children are empowered to become the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow. Nxumalo acknowledged the significant strides made in ensuring that education is accessible to all in Eswatini. However, he recognised that access alone was not enough and stressed the need to ensure that the education provided is of the highest quality, equipping learners with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.
Nxumalo remarked that the science kits being handed over were more than just educational tools; they symbolised a commitment to bridging the gap between urban and rural education. He noted that these kits would provide learners with hands-on learning experiences essential for understanding scientific concepts, sparking curiosity, fostering creativity, and instilling a lifelong love for learning.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to MTN and Illovo for their unwavering support and commitment to this initiative, stating that their contributions were a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in advancing quality and equitable education for all emaSwati children. Nxumalo commended the contributions made towards strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
He reflected on the launch of the MTN Educare Radio Programme in 2015, which provided invaluable revision lessons that led to improved performance in Mathematics and Science in external examinations. Additionally, he highlighted the pivotal role of the MTN Yellow Care Programme in constructing and renovating classrooms, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to education. Nxumalo also mentioned the recent launch of the Ubombo STEM Expo Project, through which Illovo pledged to empower 30 learners annually from local schools, describing this initiative as a significant investment in the future of youth engagement in STEM subjects.
He concluded by stating that the contributions of esteemed partners came at a crucial time, aligning perfectly with the African Union’s declaration of the decade 2024–2034 as “The Decade for Education.” This declaration called upon Member States to “Educate and Skill an African Fit for the 21st Century,” emphasising the importance of STEM education in equipping young minds with the critical skills necessary for a rapidly evolving world. Nxumalo asserted that by providing these science kits, they were not only enhancing the learning experience for learners but also contributing to the broader vision of the African Union.
