BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – For the first time in Eswatini’s education history, schools across the country will observe a mid-term break, giving teachers and learners a short but much-needed opportunity to rest before completing the second term.
The development was confirmed by Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi, who, speaking with several media houses yesterday, said the break would begin on Friday, June 26, and run until Monday, June 29. Learners and teachers are expected to return to school on Tuesday.
Relief for Teachers and Learners
Mnisi said the decision was taken to allow both teachers and pupils time to recharge during what is often one of the busiest periods of the academic year.
“This is intended to provide teachers and learners with an opportunity to rest and return to school refreshed for the remainder of the term,” she said while speaking to several media houses.
The introduction of the break marks a significant shift in the country’s academic calendar. Traditionally, learners only enjoyed holidays at the end of each school term, with no formal break in between.
According to the approved calendar, schools will continue with the second term after the four-day break and close on August 7. Learners will then return for the third and final term on September 9 before schools close for the year on December 11.
Teachers’ Union Welcomes Move
The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has welcomed the introduction of the mid-term break, describing it as a positive step towards improving the well-being of both teachers and learners.
SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati, speaking with several media houses, said the break was long overdue and acknowledged the Ministry of Education and Training for introducing the initiative.
“For a start, this is something good that has been done by the ministry,” said Vilakati. “We hope that in future the break can be extended to a full week because teachers are experiencing significant levels of burnout.”
Growing Pressure on Educators
Vilakati said the education sector continues to face staffing challenges, resulting in many teachers carrying heavier workloads than normal.
“The teachers are fatigued and if it were according to us, we would go on a break after every three weeks since we are carrying a heavy load due to staff shortages. We are doing double the job and the children also need the rest,” he said.
He added that because the academic calendar had already been carefully structured, the additional days off would not negatively affect learning time.
Vilakati expressed hope that teachers would use the break to rest and recover so that they could return to classrooms with renewed energy and motivation.
Learners Excited About Long Weekend
The announcement has also been met with excitement from learners, many of whom welcomed the prospect of a long weekend away from the classroom.
Several learners said the break would provide enough time to catch up on their studies, complete assignments and prepare for upcoming examinations. Others said they looked forward to spending time with family and participating in sporting, cultural and recreational activities.
Many noted that the short break comes at an ideal time, as the academic workload tends to increase during the middle of the term.
A New Chapter in School Calendar
Education stakeholders believe the introduction of a mid-term break could contribute positively to learner performance and teacher wellness by reducing fatigue and improving concentration levels.
As schools prepare for the historic first mid-term break, many will be watching closely to assess its impact and whether it becomes a permanent feature of Eswatini’s academic calendar in the years ahead.
