NGWANE TEACHERS COLLEGE GRADUATION: STRENGTHEN ENTREPRENEURIAL, VOCATIONAL SKILLS - KING

NHLANGANO – His Majesty King Mswati III says schools and institutions should strengthen vocational training and entrepreneurial skills.

He said this is so students can equip themselves with something to fall back on. He said this during the Ngwane Teachers’ Training College graduation, where 203 students received their qualifications yesterday. The King said Ngwane Teacher’s College needed to consider making these skills compulsory for students in order to equip them with something to fall back on if not employed as teachers. The King recalled that he recently went to a country where he was taken to an institution that had other skills and services that were provided. He stated that this included a restaurant, where people came for their meals and they would make money in the process.

Introduce

He stated that an institution like the college would be able to introduce research laboratories so that people can access them and the institution would make money from such avenues other than government subvention. The King encouraged the graduates to embrace their roles as teachers with enthusiasm and devotion. He said teaching was more than just a job adding that it was a calling. “You possess the ability to mould the minds and destinies of young people. As you enter our nation’s schools, remember the ideals established in you here: discipline, respect and a commitment to excellence. Your journey has only just begun. The knowledge you have received will be beneficial, but your integrity and heart will truly determine your effect as a teacher,” the King added.

The King said the country requires teachers who are not just competent, but also sensitive and dedicated to the growth of children. He said the students are supposed to use the information and skills they recently acquired to help the country grow, no matter where they are stationed. He said this was their opportunity to play their part adding that they were supposed to go forth and make a difference in the world by engaging in honourable activities that they were proud of.The King said now that they are professional educators; they are supposed to be always motivated to grow, improve and maintain the country’s high educational standards.

“Transitioning from education to job market has both ups and downs. For example, after graduation, you are all looking for ‘the job,’ and if it is not provided right away, you get frustrated, unhappy and disappointed for a few months. Finding the ‘perfect’ job that matches your planned career path might be difficult at times. Regardless of the above, grasp what you find since it will teach you significant lessons about life and yourself,” the King said. On another note, the King officiated the new office block, which he said was more than just a building but it represented a critical investment in the future of the institution and education in the kingdom.

Functions

He said the new facility would support the college’s administrative functions and ensure that operations were carried out with the utmost efficiency. He said the existence of the new building would better able the personnel and administration of the college in running the organisation and guarantee that students receive the best education possible with new offices and facilities. 

The King added that the office building represented their unwavering commitment to ensuring that the country’s educational institutions had the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the modern world. It was said that the office structure houses 84 staff members, catering space and ablutions. His Majesty promised the school’s leadership of government’s commitment to supporting this institution’s development and expansion, ensuring that it remained a shining example of educational excellence. “Together, we will build an Eswatini where quality education is accessible to all, every child is enabled to fulfil their full potential and our teachers are recognised for their essential role in creating the future of our kingdom,” he said.

It was said that there were 201 students who were graduating for the Primary Teachers Diploma (PTD) and two who were doing Early Childhood Education (ECE) making the total graduates 203.  It was further said that the college admitted two students with hearing impairment and that there is a lecturer who interprets for them as they learn their different subjects. Ngwane Teachers’ Training College Principal Thokozani Khumalo also echoed the King in that the institution was seeking to explore life skills so that the students would be able to make a living while they are waiting to be hired in their professional posts.

On another note, Khumalo shared that the institution’s teaching staff was now in a better position to offer degrees. “Out of a staff complement of 51; 30 of them are holders of Master’s Degree, 10 hold PhDs and six are enrolled for PhDs studies, while a few still have first degrees,” she said. Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo on the other hand shared that His Majesty has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the development of educated and empowered citizens.

Invite

He added that the His Majesty’s commitment to education extends beyond the country’s borders as during his official working trips abroad; he never fails to invite investors to invest in the country’s education sector. He said this was particularly in the construction of schools and provision of scholarships. “As a direct result of these efforts, Eswatini has seen a substantial increase in scholarships for emaSwati students offering them opportunities to study abroad and bring back valuable knowledge and skills,” he said.

The minister said a notable example of His Majesty’s personal dedication to the success of local students is his frequent engagements with emaSwati students abroad. He said the King took the time to meet with the students, offering them motivation and guidance as they serve as ambassadors of the country. Nxumalo said such leadership was a beacon of inspiration for the young men and women, instilling in them the values of service and dedication to their homeland.

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