Early childhood care and education (ECCE) In Eswatini falls under the Ministry of Education and Training. Early childhood in Eswatini is defined as the period of a child’s life from the age of 0 to 8. Over the years, early childhood care and education (ECCE) has been inaccessible to most children because most Preschools are privately owned and thus they charge exorbitant funds, and Most children are from poor backgrounds and cannot afford the fees charged in the ECCE centers.
The government has however embarked on implementing an Integrated Approach to early childhood care and education (ECCE) which seeks to address the issues of equity and the freedom and the rights of a child’s related health, nutrition, care, psychosocial, and education needs. It aims to provide early childhood education for all children. In Eswatini, early childhood care and education (ECCE centers are in the form of preschools or neighborhood care points (NCPs).
Why early childhood care and education (ECCE)?
The first eight years of a child’s life form the foundation for all later development and are thus very important for various reasons as they help children to develop:
- Healthy physical growth and abilities through play and other developmental activities
- Good social habits as an individual and as a member of society
- Social and emotional development, interacting and communicating with others
- Moral values development
- Imagination and creativity, self-reliance and critical thinking
- School readiness
Pre-school education
- Ages : 0-5 years
- Primary Languages : English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term : Beginning of the term- January
- School Types: nursery, preschools, neighborhood care points (NCPs), and more.
There are very few pre-primary schools in Swaziland and most of them are privately operated.
Preschool learning: these are some of how pre-school children learn in Swaziland.
- Through play
- By manipulating objects
- By exploring the world around them
- By experimenting on various things
- Through trial and error
- By asking questions
- By observing and imitating others
Things to consider when enrolling children for ECCE in Eswatini
when enrolling your child at a pre-school in Eswatini, it is essential for you to consider a few things including, but not limited to:
- the rules and regulations of the school
- the curriculum
- the facilities: are they clean? Are they child-friendly? is there proper security?
- Fees
- Availability of toys and play aids.
Examples of International Pre-Schools in Eswatini
Morningstar International School
This is a Christian-based school offering Preschool and Primary education, located in Manzini, Eswatini. The school is based on Christian values offering quality education, empowering change agents, training leaders, and adding value.
- Address: kaNdlunganye, Esibayeni, Matsapha, Manzini M200, Eswatini
- Ages: 3-5 years
- Duration: 2 years
- Language: English
- International students: 70%
- Admission Term: the beginning of 1st term-January
- Terms: 3
- Opening hours: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Friday.
Alnoor International School
This is a secular, private, vibrant, and modern school committed to providing a comprehensive and relevant education within a safe and nurturing environment. It is a high-standard international school offering a cost-effective, broad, and challenging curriculum offering pre-primary and primary education.
- Location: Portion 84/11 of Plot 21/11, Lugaganeni, Manzini
- Pre-primary fees range: E 2500- E 7 695
- Terms: 3
- Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:45 am - 2:00 pm, Friday 7:45 am - 12:00 pm
It is a comprehensive school, serving a truly multi-cultural and diverse community, where the children’s talents and abilities are nurtured and developed. Visualization and active learning are integrated into every subject at the school. Active learning refers to a system where students do more than just listen to class lectures but participate in the learning process through doing certain activities and interaction with teachers that will help them to discover, process, practice, and apply information.
Extracurricular activities- the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and events throughout the year, including Mr. and Ms. Math Contest, Spelling Bee Contest, Quickest Reader Contest, Speach Contest, Science Fair, International Day, Sports Days, and Field Trips.
Curriculum- the kindergarten curriculum focuses on various areas including language and literacy, math, science, life skills, and physical education.
Tuitin and fees- the fee structure for pre-primary is as follows:
Note that prices are charged in Lilangeni (E) or (L)
Grade Price per Term Annum Fee (5% Discount)
Nursery 2500 7 125
Kindergarten 2700 7 695
Admission Fee: E200- once off
Yearly Book and Building levy fee: E900
Prospective students- parents or guardian should note the following requirements;
- Two Recent passport size Photos
- Admission fee payment
- School Leaving Certificate
- ID or Passport Copies of student and parent or guardian.
- Birth Certificate of the student.
S I D Pre-school
This is a pre-school located in Mbabane, built on the three skill pillars including ADL (activities of daily living), independent work completion, and Communication using MAKATON SA.
- Address: Manyovu St, Mbabane, Swaziland
- Ages: 3-5 years
- Duration: 3 years
- Language: English
- Admission Term: the beginning of 1st term-January
- Terms: 3
Activities- students here embark on various activities in various areas including ADL (activities of daily living), Gross Motor, Fine motor skills, and Music Therapy. ADL (activities of daily living) focuses on areas that help the children to master skills including feeding, toilet, and dressing. Gross motor skills here focus on activities that help children to master their control over the large muscles of the body for walking, running, sitting, crawling, and other activities. The school also uses music therapy to assist in emotional situations, for learning purposes, and as reward activities after a day at school.
Tuition and Fees- fees payable here are as follows:
Registration fees: E500 (non-refundable)
School fees: E2000 per month or R6000 per term
Note thatSchool fees include breakfast and snacks daily
