BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Education and Training is conducting a two-day orientation workshop at George Hotel in Manzini to prepare for the rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Four-Year Secondary Programme, set to begin in schools in 2026.
The workshop brings together key departments responsible for teacher training and support, including the In-Service Education and Training (INSET) Department, the Inspectorate, and the National Curriculum Centre (NCC). Its purpose is to equip senior officials with the knowledge and guidance needed to implement the new programmes, which will start with Form 1 and expand each year until all secondary school grades are included.
Director of Education, Dr Tholakele Mngometulu, described the teams as the backbone of teacher professional development and pivotal drivers of the education reform.
“This orientation marks the first step in a larger national training and advocacy effort,” Dr Mngometulu said.
“I urge all participants to become ambassadors for the new programmes and to speak with one voice, so that schools and communities understand the importance of this reform.”
INSET Coordinator Dr Ncamsile Matsenjwa highlighted the orientation as a significant milestone in Eswatini’s journey to transform education. She emphasised the need for leadership and administration at all levels to be fully aligned in supporting teachers and schools.
“This is not just a training exercise, but a movement to reimagine teaching and learning in our schools,” Dr Matsenjwa said.
She also acknowledged the Teaching Service Commission for allocating additional posts to INSET, strengthening the department’s capacity to deliver training nationwide.
Dr Matsenjwa further noted that INSET will soon launch a Facebook page and website to improve communication, visibility, and access to training materials. Training sessions will first target head teachers, followed by deputy head teachers, heads of department, and subject teachers, ensuring all levels of education are prepared before full implementation.
While recognising challenges such as transport logistics and the need for benchmarking with countries using similar systems, Dr Matsenjwa expressed confidence that teamwork and inter-departmental collaboration will overcome these obstacles.
The Chief of Tertiary Education, who welcomed participants, praised the unity and shared purpose among different education departments.
The Competency-Based Education approach focuses on developing learners’ skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for life and work, while the Four-Year Programme aims to enhance the quality, relevance, and efficiency of secondary education.
Dr Mngometulu concluded by urging all participants to collaborate in making the reform a national success.
“This is a national journey that calls for visionary leadership, collaboration, and shared understanding. Together, we can transform our education system and give our learners the future they deserve,” she said.
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Courtesy Pic)
