BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – The future of better learning spaces may begin with the people working behind the scenes, as a Ministry of Education and Training team returns from Kenya with new skills to strengthen how education projects are planned, managed and delivered for emaSwati.
A school is more than walls, desks and classrooms. It is a place where children discover their dreams, teachers shape futures and communities see hope for the next generation. But before a new classroom is built or a school project reaches learners, there is a team working behind the scenes to ensure that every step is properly planned and managed.
It is this important responsibility that has driven a delegation from the Ministry of Education and Training to strengthen its project and contract management skills through specialised training in Nairobi, Kenya.
Led by Principal Secretary Ms Nanikie Mnisi, the delegation recently completed a five-day programme on Contract Management in the Context of World Bank Funded Projects, hosted by the Kenya Institute of Supply Management (KISM) from 20 to 24 July 2026.
The training equipped the Ministry’s technical team with practical tools and knowledge needed to manage projects more effectively, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and that education projects deliver meaningful results for learners and communities.
Through practical case studies, group exercises and hands on activities, the team gained deeper understanding of the full contract management journey from planning and implementation to monitoring progress, managing risks, resolving challenges and successfully completing projects.
One of the major highlights of the programme was training on the Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP), a digital platform that supports the monitoring of procurement processes and project implementation. The skills gained will help strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in the delivery of World Bank supported projects.
For emaSwati, the importance of such training goes beyond a classroom in Nairobi. It is about ensuring that education projects are managed by skilled professionals who can turn plans into reality and help create better learning environments for children across the Kingdom.
The initiative reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening public service capacity and ensuring that development projects create lasting value for the people they are meant to serve.
As Eswatini continues to invest in education, the journey towards better schools does not only depend on the construction of buildings, but also on the knowledge, dedication and skills of the people responsible for making those projects successful.
With new international experience and improved project management skills, the Ministry team returns home carrying more than certificates they return with knowledge that has the potential to shape stronger education projects and open new opportunities for future generations.
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