By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) recently celebrated the graduation of 26 educators from the Certificate in Online Teaching for Educators (COTE) programme.
The 13th cohort’s graduation ceremony at the Institute of Distance Education (IDE) showcased the participants’ commitment to advancing professional development in digital teaching.
UNESWA Vice Chancellor, Professor Justice Thwala, highlighted the programme’s alignment with the university’s strategic goals for 2024–2029 and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). He emphasized the critical role of digital skills in addressing challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a shift to online education.
The programme equips educators with essential skills for online course design, digital content creation, and virtual facilitation. Professor Thwala commended the IDE for its collaborative efforts in fostering innovative and inclusive education, encouraging graduates to apply their skills to support marginalized learners, especially in remote areas.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mzwandile Masondo reflected on the programme’s impact, noting its role in preparing educators to navigate digital platforms like Moodle and adopt innovative solutions for overcoming geographic and socio-economic barriers. Masondo also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence tools to enhance interactivity and responsiveness in online teaching.
Both Thwala and Masondo underscored the importance of ongoing professional development to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Thwala urged graduates to embrace modern teaching strategies to foster sustainable development, while Masondo advocated for similar programmes across other institutions.
The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of UNESWA’s commitment to advancing education through innovation. Graduates were encouraged to leverage their digital teaching skills to inspire learners and drive Eswatini’s educational transformation.
