Overview of the Ministry’s Activities

Recognizing the key role of education in economic and social development, the country has made remarkable undertakings towards providing quality education to all its citizens at all levels through formal and non-formal approaches. It has intensified its efforts in the implementation of equity and competitiveness driven reforms. At primary / basic school level, the Ministry’s objective is expansion of participation, ensuring that all pupils, irrespective of their social or economic circumstances have access to quality education.  At secondary/ high school level, the aim is to provide diversified curricula and increase the availability of space in order to enable pupils to exploit all opportunities available and transcend to higher levels of education upon graduation. At post-secondary level, the objective is provision of training programmes that are in line with the socio- economic needs of the country.

In its endevour to extend educational opportunities to all, particularly at basic education level, the Ministry has made remarkable efforts to aligning itself with global, regional and national policy initiatives. At international level, efforts have been made to attain the Education for All (EFA) targets and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's). The aspirations of the EFA are covered by six goals namely: Expansion of Early Childhood Care and Development; Provision of free and compulsory primary education; Promotion of acquiring of life skills for adolescent and youth; Expansion of adult literacy; Elimination of gender disparities and enhancement of educational quality. The Millennium Development declaration sets eight specific goals (MDG’s) with specific targets. The fundamental aim of the Millennium declaration is eradication of extreme poverty and improvement of social welfare. MDGs place emphasis on attainment of Universal Primary Education and promotion of gender equality & empowerment of women. Regional and national policies also place emphasis on attainment of accessible quality education that is relevant and affordable to all.

News & Events

Development Centre

 

Emlalatini Development Centre

Physical Address: Ezulwini next to The Gables Shopping Complex, opposite the Swaziland College of Theology (Old Manzini road)

1. MANDATE: Emlalatini Development Centre (EDC) is a government institution that provides open and distance learning (ODL) programmes at junior and higher secondary education levels in Swaziland.EDC was mandated to offer first and second opportunities to the youth and adults of Swaziland who, for one reason or another, could not finish their secondary education.

2. VISION: We strive to be a leading ODL provider in the region.

3. MISSION STATEMENT: EDC is an institution committed to providing access to quality and affordable education to the youth and adults in Swaziland through open and distance learning.

4. TARGET GROUP:

Adults who could not complete school and now want to study.

High school students who did not do well in some subjects in the conventional schools and thus want to upgrade for tertiary education eligibility.

People who suddenly want to change their careers and need to study subjects suitable for their new career paths.

Learners who are employed but wish to study without giving up their jobs.

Learners who prefer studying a few subjects at a time.

J.C learners who could not pass form 3 and wish to repeat failed subjects so that they can later join the conventional school system to continue with their schooling.

NUPE students who have passed their SPC exams and wish to continue with higher education but cannot be in a conventional school system for one reason or another.

5. CURRICULUM OFFERED:

6. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: For the JC programme, a student should have done at least Form 1.For the SGSCE programme, a student should have passed Form 3. Students are advised to take three subjects at a time so that they can manage the workload. However, those who are repeating a class can study as many subjects as they wish.

Students come to the centre to enrol and fill forms. They are required to pay the calculated amount at any government revenue office. Students are also required to show proof of the last class attended.

7. MODE OF DELIVERY: The method of instruction at EDC is through distance learning. Currently the courses are disseminated through print. Study materials are prepared following the syllabus used in conventional schools, whose content for each subject is covered in a number of workbooks. These study materials are usually supplied by EDC during registration. The workbooks contain both study materials and guidance in the use of prescribed textbooks. The contents include practical exercises with answers so that the students can check their progress. These self-check practice exercises are most important in assisting students to learn and remember. The workbooks also contain tests which are answered and sent back to EDC for marking.

8. LEARNER SUPPORT: We all know that studying at a distance is very difficult. So to break the isolation, students are supported through the following activities:-

9. RESIDENTIAL COURSES: Students are invited to the college at various times during the year, for a course that usually lasts one week. In that week, tutors give lessons in their various subjects and also attend to individual learner’s specific needs. EDC makes it possible for a student to come for a residential course at least once during the 2-year course.

A. TRIAL EXAMS: Between August and September, students who are due to sit for their final examinations are invited to the centre to write trial examinations under very strict invigilation. During these examinations, students are expected to have read all their study materials so that they are well prepared. After writing the trial examination, students are expected back for revision sessions.

B. FACE-TO- FACE CLASSES: As from the second term of school, students are once again invited to attend classes. J.C students come on Tuesdays, whilst SGCSE students come on Thursdays. For the rest of the week days students are encouraged to come for individual help if they face difficulties.

C. TESTS: To ensure that learning does take place, tutors communicate from time to time with students through the in- built tests. These are marked and students are given feedback on their performance, in addition to tips on how to study the subjects successfully.

D. DIFFICULTY SHEETS: These are supplied together with the workbooks. When students come across something they do not understand in the workbook, they use the difficulty sheets to seek help from their tutors.

10. EXAMINATIONS:

EDC students sit for the same examinations as those taken by conventional school students. The exams are taken at the centre together with other private candidates who are not EDC students.

-Emlalatini provides a centre for form V students in May/June and October/ November each year.

-For Form 3(Junior Certificate) students in October/November

-A/S students in June and October each year (These subjects excludes those that have a practical component).

11. COMMUNICATION:

Students are encouraged to communicate with the subject tutor for help using telephone, letter, fax, and e-mail or come in person. Using the library and other study rooms available for discussions at EDC, students are also encouraged to form a study group to break the isolation and fight the frustration of studying alone.

12. OFFICE HOURS:

EDC is open for business on Monday- Friday at 8.30a.m. to 3.30p.m. (except on public holidays).

 

 

School Calender 2014