BY NOKWANDA DLAMINI
MBABANE— Government has formalised a JPY 103 million grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation System to fund an Accessible School Transport Project, aimed at improving educational access for children with disabilities.
The grant, equivalent to approximately SZL 12.5 million, was concluded during an official visit by Programme Director Kato Asuka, who met with senior government officials to mark the completion of the process.
The signing ceremony was held at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, with Principal Secretary Siboniso Nkhambule and Disability Manager Fikile Shongwe representing the government. Discussions on the initiative began in early December 2025, with both parties working collaboratively to finalise the terms of support. The project will finance the procurement of universally accessible school buses and provide specialised training for drivers and technicians to ensure safe and reliable operations.
Speaking during the engagement, Kato Asuka reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting inclusive development in Eswatini. She pledged that the organisation would continue working closely with the government to ensure successful implementation and lasting impact for children with disabilities.
The initiative is designed to address key transport barriers that prevent learners with disabilities, particularly in rural areas, from attending school consistently. Government officials noted that reliable transport remains a major challenge for inclusive education, and the project is expected to significantly improve attendance and learning outcomes.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office described the partnership as a milestone in advancing inclusive education and strengthening social protection systems. Officials highlighted that the project’s training component will ensure sustainability, equipping personnel with the skills necessary to maintain the buses and operate them safely.
The Accessible School Transport Project aligns with Eswatini’s national efforts to promote disability inclusion and uphold the right to education for all children, regardless of physical ability. By removing transport barriers and investing in skills development, the initiative provides a tangible step towards a more equitable education system and a more inclusive society.
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(Courtesy Pic)
