BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – For pupils who have had limited access to computers in the classroom, learning is set to become more practical and technology-driven as Eswatini rolls out 1140 computers donated by Taiwan to schools and tertiary institutions across the country.
The donation forms part of a wider effort to strengthen digital learning, equip pupils with modern technological skills and help teachers integrate technology into everyday lessons.
Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo revealed details of the programme during the 40th Graduation Ceremony of Ngwane Teachers College on September 15, 2026.
Nxumalo said the computers were already being distributed to schools and tertiary institutions as government continues to expand the use of technology within the education sector.
“The 1140 computers donated by Taiwan are being distributed to schools and tertiary institutions as part of our efforts to strengthen digital learning,” said Nxumalo.
Of particular significance is that 59 schools are set to benefit directly from the donated computers, giving pupils and teachers greater access to equipment that can be used for teaching, research and the development of practical computer skills.
The intervention comes at a time when digital literacy is increasingly becoming an important part of education and the modern workplace.
For pupils, access to computers means more than simply learning how to operate a machine. It provides opportunities to conduct research, access educational content, develop practical digital skills and become more familiar with technology they are likely to encounter in tertiary education and the workplace.
Teachers, meanwhile, will have additional tools to make lessons more interactive and expose pupils to technology-based learning.
The 1140 computers are not the only equipment being provided.
A total of 60 printers are also being supplied to strengthen schools’ ability to prepare teaching materials and support administrative work.
Another 106 schools are expected to receive interactive screens, bringing digital technology directly into ordinary classrooms.
The interactive screens are expected to enable teachers to incorporate digital content and technology-based resources into lessons instead of limiting the use of technology to computer laboratories.
This could significantly change the classroom experience for both teachers and pupils, allowing lessons to include digital presentations, visual learning material and other electronic resources.
The scale of the intervention is significant considering that Eswatini has 603 primary schools and 323 secondary schools, giving the country a combined 926 primary and secondary schools.
While extending digital infrastructure to all schools remains a major undertaking, the latest equipment provides additional resources towards modernising teaching and learning.
Technology support has also been extended to tertiary institutions.
William Pitcher College received 60 tables, while the University of Eswatini received 30 tables to support the organisation and use of computer equipment.
Support for teacher-training institutions is particularly important because the teachers being trained today will eventually enter classrooms where technological skills are increasingly expected to form part of teaching and learning.
The initiative therefore goes beyond providing equipment. It also speaks to the broader need to prepare teachers and pupils for an education system increasingly influenced by technology.
Nxumalo said the programme formed part of efforts to improve the quality of education by ensuring that learning institutions have appropriate resources.
The Taiwan donation also highlights the contribution that international partnerships can make towards addressing infrastructure and resource requirements in Eswatini’s education sector.
However, the long-term impact of the equipment will depend on how effectively it is used and maintained.
Schools will need to ensure that the computers, printers and interactive screens remain functional and accessible, while teachers will have an important responsibility to integrate the technology into everyday teaching.
For pupils in the benefiting schools, the intervention represents an opportunity to gain practical exposure to digital tools at an earlier stage of their education.
As technology continues to shape education, communication, research and employment, access to computers in schools could play an increasingly important role in preparing young emaSwati for further studies and the changing world of work.
With 1140 computers, 60 printers and interactive screens earmarked for 106 schools, the programme marks another step towards expanding digital learning and strengthening the role of technology in Eswatini’s classrooms.
