By Karabo Ngoepe and Sifiso Sibandze
This week will see bundles of joys clad in their different colours starting their academic journeys as schools in the country open.
While this is a momentous and proud moment for parents, the period brings its own challenges, frustrations and at times, annoyance. Eswatini Sunday did a random survey among parents affected by the back-to-school period and they complained that this was an extremely stressful and costly period for them.
Sfiso Maseko, said the most frustrating thing for a parent is the uncertainty that is associated with the start of the academic year.
“Even with good results, a pupil going to Grade 8 is not guaranteed an easy transition to a secondary school. The acceptance model has been made more difficult with some schools opting to phase out the entrance exam method, but rather relying on passing symbols to grade pupils,” he said.
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The father added that another issue is the expenses involved.
“As a parent with two children going to new schools (one in Grade 1 and the other in Grade 8), I found myself having to dig deep to manage all the fees involved. On top of the deposit money, which is in the thousands, you also have to contend with the other expenses, such as stationery and a new uniform.
“My advice to parents is to start planning early and using whatever extra money you have at the end of the year to prioritise those expenses as they can become a major headache in January,” he warned.
A father who asked to remain anonymous said it’s an exciting time of year for so many but for him, it is a very costly period. He said the unanticipated expenses coupled with inflation had him trying to figure out how to make it all work.
“Honestly speaking for me, this year has been tough. Preparing for my 13-year-old boy to return to class has triggered plenty of stress from worrying about getting a space for him in Form I to ensuring that I raise the required school fees money as soon as I possibly can, which can be very challenging,” he said.
The father added that soon after the Standard V results were released, he was momentarily happy after learning that the boy had done exceptionally well, obtaining a first-class pass.
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“But soon after that, I was filled with anxiety as I had to ensure that I got him space for Form I and further ensure that I paid on time to secure the space. It was not easy, but I managed to secure him the space and paid the school fees.
“Over and above the school fees, I had to buy a uniform. Even though the prices were a bit higher, I afforded them, and I am relieved that the boy will be happy and looking forward to the opening of schools on Tuesday.”
Another parent, Mduduzi Hlophe said his ‘little adventurer’ was set to embark on a grand journey, going to Grade 0. While excitement bubbles in his heart, it’s also overshadowed by a practical grey cloud of the financial constraints that hold the reins of school choice.
“I am still adrift in the sea of options for his school, with three schools dangling and available spaces which are however very costly, charging between E3000 – E3500 per term. Don’t get me started on the uniform and transport which is another E2000,” he said.
Hlophe said the process for him was a dance between aspirations and budgets.
“It is enough to fry anyone’s nerves. Deadlines loom, and the weight of finding the perfect school for your child’s learning journey can feel crushing. Yet, beneath the administrative avalanche, a tiny ember of joy flickers in every parent. For amidst the hustles and school fees, the greatest reward remains unchanged, witnessing my child blossom, leaf by leaf, under the nurturing basket of knowledge,” he said.
Other parents encountered in Mbabane and Manzini could not even spare a moment to converse as they hurried to try and find uniforms and school bags for their children. From the hustle and bustle of towns over the weekend, one thing is certain, parents are at their wits ends and anxious over the much-awaited back-to-school.
